Abstract
Are affinity networks, like women's, LGBTQ+ and bicultural employee networks, really effective instruments for diversity management? These networks, also called identity networks, diversity networks or employee resource groups, are seen as important means to make organizations more inclusive and to provide spaces for professional development and social networking. However, they also strengthen exclusionary norms and power hierarchies. The identification of three sociological dilemmas shines light on the complexities and the ambiguous effects of identity networks. Through its discourse, activities and organizational structure, a network either supports individual career advancement – while strengthening existing inequalities – or promotes organizational change. Recognizing these dilemmas will help researchers, organizations, diversity practitioners, and affinity networks to make more informed and deliberate choices.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 101217 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-6 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Management |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 17 May 2022 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published - Sept 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:I extend my gratitude to Prof. Maurice Crul and Prof. Halleh Ghorashi, and the members of the VU's IDI research group for their comments to earlier versions of the ideas developed in this article. Tigran Melikian, thank you for your encouragement, which made me speed up the completion of this article.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022
Funding
I extend my gratitude to Prof. Maurice Crul and Prof. Halleh Ghorashi, and the members of the VU's IDI research group for their comments to earlier versions of the ideas developed in this article. Tigran Melikian, thank you for your encouragement, which made me speed up the completion of this article.
Keywords
- Affinity networks
- Diversity
- Diversity management
- Employee networks
- Empowerment
- Equity
- Identity
- Identity networks
- Identity politics
- Inclusion