Employee voice and perceived attractiveness: are less attractive employees ignored in the workplace?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew R. Timming ◽  
Chris Baumann ◽  
Paul Gollan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Employee Voice ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Physically Attractive

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the effect of employees' perceived physical attractiveness on the extent to which their voices are “listened to” by management.Design/methodology/approachUsing an experimental research design, the paper estimates main effects of employee attractiveness and possible moderating effects of employee race and gender as well as the gender of their “managers.”FindingsThe results suggest that, with few exceptions, more physically attractive employees are significantly more likely to have their suggestions acted upon by managers than less attractive employees, pointing to a powerful form of workplace discrimination. This finding holds across races, with more attractive white, black, and Asian employees exerting a more impactful voice than their less attractive counterparts, although the moderation appears to be stronger for whites than ethnic minorities.Research limitations/implicationsThe results have important implications for the extant literatures on employee voice, diversity and discrimination.Originality/valueThis is among the first studies to demonstrate that less attractive employees suffer from an “employee voice deficit” vis-à-vis their more attractive counterparts.

Understanding and addressing Islamophobia in organizational settings

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-150
Author(s):  
Leslie E. Sekerka ◽  
Marianne Marar Yacobian
Keyword(s):  
Moral Courage ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Ethical Challenge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
The Usa ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Organizational Scholarship ◽  
Public Leaders

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to call to public leaders to exercise moral courage in choosing to understand and address phobic biases and prejudicial attitudes toward Muslims in the workplace. With reference to developments in the USA, workplace discrimination is framed as an ethical issue, with Islamophobia viewed as a rapidly growing concern. Design/methodology/approach This work is a practical application of existing theory and research in positive organizational scholarship to address the concern of workplace discrimination; specifically Islamophobia. Propositions are developed to depict how public leaders can address Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination by role modeling moral courage. Findings The findings show that Islamophobia is an ethical challenge for public leaders, one that can begin to be addressed by exercising character strength that promotes tolerance, civility, and respect. This proactive approach will enable public leaders to serve as pillars of openness, inclusion, and thoughtful regard for others, regardless of organizational members’ faith or culture. Social implications The social implications are to encourage discourse among global public leaders, prompting awareness and concern for Islamophobia and promoting more informed paths for productive scholarship. Originality/value Studies of workplace discrimination typically focus on race and gender, with few considering how Muslims face increasing Islamophobia. This work adds value to the existing literature by explicitly encouraging public leaders to respond, rather than react, to discrimination with moral competency.

scholarly journals Structural inequalities exposed by COVID-19 in the UK: the need for an accounting for care

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-642
Author(s):  
Kathryn Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Personal Viewpoint ◽  
Structural Inequalities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a reflective account of inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and the need for an accounting for care to address them. Design/methodology/approach A commentary on COVID-19 in the UK and the societal inequalities it has exposed. Findings Entrenched societal inequalities relating to age, health, poverty, disability, race and gender in the UK are highlighted through the experience of COVID-19. Research limitations/implications Accounting research has a further role to play in exposing inequalities, promoting enhanced measures for inequalities, promoting care and transforming society. Originality/value This paper is a unique account and personal viewpoint.

scholarly journals The importance of specificity in occupation‐based social classifications

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 179-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul S. Lambert ◽  
Koon Leai Larry Tan ◽  
Kenneth Prandy ◽  
Vernon Gayle ◽  
Manfred Max Bergman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Grid ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Specific Occupation ◽  
Data Environment ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to present reasons why social classifications which use occupations should seek to adopt “specific” approaches which are tailored to the country, time period and gender of the subjects under study.Design/methodology/approachThe relative motivations for adopting a specific approach to social classifications are discussed and theoretical perspectives on specificity and empirical evidence on the contribution of specific approaches are reviewed. Also the practical costs of implementing specific social classifications are evaluated, and the authors' development of the “GEODE” data service (grid‐enabled occupational data environment), which seeks to assist this process, is discussed.FindingsSpecific approaches make a non‐trivial difference to the conclusions drawn from analyses of occupation‐based social classifications. It is argued that the GEODE service has reduced the practical challenges of implementing specific measures.Research limitations/implicationsThere remain conceptual and pragmatic challenges in working with specific occupation‐based social classifications. Non‐specific (“universal”) measures are adequate for many purposes.Practical implicationsThe paper argues that there are few excuses for ignoring specific occupation‐based social classifications.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that recent technological developments have shifted the balance in the long‐standing debate between universal and specific approaches to occupation‐based social classifications.

Sending all the right signals: can locally sensitive employer branding address the global integration-local responsiveness problem?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Employee Voice ◽  
Global Integration ◽  
Employer Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Right ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study uses two case studies to explore the integration-responsiveness problem in multi-national enterprises and finds that locally sensitive employer branding and facilitating employee voice can help mitigate global-local tensions in religiously sensitive environments. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

“Toxic Masculinity” in the age of #MeToo: ritual, morality and gender archetypes across cultures

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Paul Louis Veissière
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Moral Panics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ideal Types ◽  
Biological Sex ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Archetypes ◽  
Cultural Shifts

Purpose This paper aims to take the “toxic masculinity” (TM) trope as a starting point to examine recent cultural shifts in common assumptions about gender, morality and relations between the sexes. TM is a transculturally widespread archetype or moral trope about the kind of man one should not be. Design/methodology/approach The author revisits his earlier fieldwork on transnational sexualities against a broader analysis of the historical, ethnographic and evolutionary record. The author describes the broad cross-cultural recurrence of similar ideal types of men and women (good and bad) and the rituals through which they are culturally encouraged and avoided. Findings The author argues that the TM trope is normatively useful if and only if it is presented alongside a nuanced spectrum of other gender archetypes (positive and negative) and discussed in the context of human universality and evolved complementariness between the sexes. Social implications The author concludes by discussing stoic virtue models for the initiation of boys and argues that they are compatible with the normative commitments of inclusive societies that recognize gender fluidity along the biological sex spectrum. Originality/value The author makes a case for the importance of strong gender roles and the rites and rituals through which they are cultivated as an antidote to current moral panics about oppression and victimhood.

Excellence and gender

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farinaz Fassa
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Level ◽  
National Level ◽  
Academic Careers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Feminist Movements

Purpose – Discussing the Swiss case, the purpose of this paper is to examine how gender equality policies deal with the present requirements for scholars to be considered “excellent”. It aims to pinpoint the lines of tension or coherence between excellence, meritocracy and gender politics. Design/methodology/approach – In order to specify the norms of academic careers and their different renditions, the author draws on two studies (at local and national levels) to illustrate where the changes and resistances are taking place. Findings – The translations of a number of demands of feminist movements into the policies set up to favour equality between the sexes may combine to challenge the norms of academia as a gendered realm. Nevertheless, without strong pressure from feminists at local level and the conduct of research pursuing the enterprise of deconstructing norms, top-down policies may prove less “corrective” than affirmative action. This pressure is not only useful to build gender equality in science but also to broaden the spectrum of knowledge that can become a common good. Research limitations/implications – As neither the names nor the positions of the experts who select the candidates at national level are made public, we had to opt for other, less satisfactory means. Originality/value – The originality of the paper lies in the link made between the enhancements brought by Equalities policies and the changes they bring. It attempts to bring to light the extent to which gender equality policies conform to the neo-managerial order or challenge its norms to build a world that is more just.

Do females in audit firm governance affect firm performance? Findings from Turkey

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Ocak
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Audit Firm ◽  
Hierarchical Levels ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to contribute to the literature by offering a different sector and emphasising the importance of females in audit firm (AF) governance on audit firm performance (AFP). Design/methodology/approach Ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrument variables regression (IVREG) with two-stage least squares are used to test the paper’s hypotheses. Findings Both OLS and IVREG estimation results show that both the proportion of females and gender diversity at board and owner levels and the total number of shares of female owners seem to enhance the performance of AFs. Practical implications These results may be important for policymakers and regulators to set a quota for women’s representation on AF governance or decide arrangements for women in AFs as in the regulations for the high hierarchical levels of other corporate firms. Originality/value This paper extends the current literature in the context of AFs in Turkey, positing that females in AF governance might enhance performance to a great extent.

Brand imitation strategy, package design and consumer response: what does it take to make a difference?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Qiao ◽  
William Glenn Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Package Design ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Gender Neutral ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Imitation Strategy ◽  
Visual Shape ◽  
Main Effects

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a brand imitation strategy for the package design of male-targeted, female-targeted and gender-neutral products. Design/methodology/approach Three (2 × 2 × 2) between-subjects factorial experiments were conducted with three independent variables, namely, visual shape, color and logo, each classified as relevant/divergent. The dependent variables were participants’ attitudes toward the brand, attitudes toward the product and purchase intention. Findings There were no significant main effects or interactions for the male-targeted product. The results for the female-targeted product revealed no significant main effect of visual shape, a significant main effect of color and significant two-way interactions between visual shape and color and between visual shape and logo. Significant main effects were found for visual shape and color for the gender-neutral product. Practical implications A color scheme similar to that of a leading brand in the same product category more powerfully influenced participants’ attitudes and purchase intention, while a more holistically similar design had greater impact than a less holistic design. Some “divergence” or distinctive design elements of the female-targeted product positively influenced participants’ attitudes and behavior. These findings suggest that a brand imitation strategy offers a means for competing in the marketplace, but should be used with caution. Originality/value A conceptual continuum of brand imitation is proposed, incorporating visual semiotics, creativity theory and gender differences in cognitive styles to provide a more systematic method for delineating brand imitation levels.

The effect of corporate political advocacy on brand perception: an event study analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Klostermann ◽  
Chris Hydock ◽  
Reinhold Decker
Keyword(s):  
Event Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Political Advocacy ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Brand Perception

Purpose In recent years, brands have increasingly engaged in corporate political advocacy (CPA; also termed brand activism or corporate sociopolitical activity) by taking positions on polarizing sociopolitical issues. Recent experimental research suggests that consumers respond to CPA based on its alignment with their own values, and that it typically induces an overall negative response. This study aims to provide additional insights by exploring consumer brand perceptions following CPA. Design/methodology/approach An event study of 106 CPA events and weekly consumer brand perception data was conducted. A regression model was used to investigate the moderating effects of CPA effort, concurrence and the strength of the online protests evoked by the CPA. Findings The results show that CPA had a negative effect on consumers’ brand perceptions and that the effect was stronger for customers relative to non-customers. The negative effect was attenuated by CPA concurrence and amplified by effort. Additionally, online protests were driven by the CPA effort and had a strong negative effect on brand perception. Online protests were stronger in the past, and, in turn, the negative effects of CPA on brand perceptions have slightly weakened in recent years. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the role of online protests following CPA and distinguishing consumer and customer responses. This study also provides converging evidence of the moderating effects of effort and concurrence identified in previous studies.

As the tree is, so is the fruit? Examining the effects of ethical leadership on bootlegging from the perspective of leader–follower gender similarity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuwen Li ◽  
Ruiqian Jia ◽  
Juergen H. Seufert ◽  
Huijie Tang ◽  
Jinlian Luo
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Moral Identity ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Companies ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Similarity ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moral Efficacy

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how and when ethical leadership enhances bootlegging. To achieve this purpose, the authors proposed a moderated dual-path model in this study. Design/methodology/approach The model was tested on two related studies. Study 1 was based on three-wave, collected data from a sample of 511 employees of Chinese companies. Data used in Study 2 was collected by survey from employees and their direct leaders of multiple departments of companies in China. Findings In Study 1, the authors found that moral efficacy and moral identity mediate between ethical leadership and bootlegging. Findings from Study 2 provide convergent support of moral efficacy’s and moral identity’s impact on the mediation relationship between ethical leadership and bootlegging. Moreover, the results of Study 2 further reveal that the relationship between ethical leadership and moral efficacy (or moral identity) was more significant among leader–follower with different genders. Originality/value This study not only enriches the literature on ethical leadership and gender (dis)similarity, but also helps managers to better understand the function of bootlegging.

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