New Approaches to Understanding Organizational Networks, Inequality, and Inclusion

Abraham, M, Mobasseri, S, Yang, L, Ibarra, H, McEvily, B and Kleinbaum, A M (2023) New Approaches to Understanding Organizational Networks, Inequality, and Inclusion. Academy of Management Proceedings, 2023 (1). ISSN 2151-6561

Abstract

This symposium showcases a set of papers that deepen our understanding of the dynamic relationship between intra-organizational networks and race, ethnicity, and gender-based inequalities in workplace experiences and attainment. It brings together leading scholars to shed light on novel theoretical mechanisms, processes, and frameworks of interest to inequality, social networks, and DEI scholars. The first two papers focus on intra-organizational network inequalities, unpacking the conditions under which race, ethnicity, and gender differences in social networks emerge and persist. The latter two papers focus on unpacking the construct of inclusion by offering novel theoretical frameworks of inclusion and re-conceptualizing it as a structural, network-based phenomenon. Collectively, the four papers presented in this symposium offer novel empirical and theoretical mechanisms to explain differences in intra-organizational network characteristics, attainment, and perceptions and behaviors of inclusion. These papers employ a variety of research methods, ranging from qualitative interviews, observational data, surveys, to field interventions. In line with the AOM 2023 theme, Putting the Worker Front and Center, the four papers in this symposium unilaterally zoom in on the workers, especially workers who are members of disadvantaged groups in organizations and society, and seek to identify new ways in which social networks can be used to mitigate race and gender-based inequalities in work experience and attainment.