Racial Microaggressions: A Phenomenological Study of Meaning-Making Among African American Police Officers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/qs5vmj13Keywords:
organizational psychology, racial microaggressions, psychological meaning-making, organizational culture, psychological safety, employee well-being, workplace discrimination, law enforcement organizationAbstract
This phenomenological study explored how African American male police officers interpreted and assigned meaning to experiences of racial microaggressions within organizational contexts. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), participants described emotional, cognitive, and identity-related responses to recurring micro aggressive encounters. Findings revealed that microaggressions functioned as chronic workplace stressors that undermined psychological safety, organizational trust, and perceived fairness, while contributing to emotional exhaustion and disengagement. Six superordinate themes emerged, including questioning professional legitimacy, organizational gatekeeping, and coping through withdrawal. Using critical race theory (CRT), intersectionality, and Sue et al.’s (2007) taxonomy frameworks, the study highlights how subtle forms of discrimination influence employee well-being, retention, and leadership development within law enforcement agencies. Implications emphasize the need for organizational-level interventions, including culturally responsive leadership training, equitable promotion practices, and policies that address workplace discrimination to improve organizational effectiveness and employee outcomes.
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