McFadden, Ciaran (2016) My Power, My People: Exploring the Identity Management of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Employees in the Irish Workplace. PhD thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
Preview
CiaranMcFadden PhD Thesis.pdf
Download (7MB) | Preview
Abstract
This thesis explores the identity management of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)
employees in Ireland. A qualitative method (semi-structured interviews with 29
participants) is used to examine what affects LGB identity management in the
workplace. The study uses a Critical Realist perspective, influenced by Feminist
Theory and Critical Theory. The theoretical framework underpinning the analysis of
the data is comprised of Dramaturgical Theory (Goffman, 1959), Social Identity
Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), The Stranger (Simmel, 1908), and Power (e.g.
Fleming & Spicer, 2014).
A number of findings are outlined in this thesis. Firstly, the role of power, in
particular hegemonic heteronormativity, in the identity management of LGB
employees is explored. The analysis shows how, because of this power dynamic, LGB
employees can represent a form of the Stranger (Simmel, 1908) in the workplace.
Secondly, this thesis shows how identity management can take place and is influenced
on multiple levels, at the individual level, at the group level, at the organisational
level, and at the macro-level.
Thirdly, the different strategies that one may take in managing their identity are
outlined here. A framework showing a continuum from separating one’s LGB identity
from one’s workplace identity, to integrating or highlighting it, is constructed.
Lastly, the role of the LGBT network, which is under-researched in the academic
literature, is discussed. This analysis show how the LGBT network represents a
source of social support, moderates the Stranger status that some LGB employees face, provides voice for LGB employees, and signals to both the network’s members
and non-members that the organisation is accepting and supportive of LGB identities.
A number of implications of this research, for both the academic literature and for HR
policy and practice, are discussed.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) |
---|---|
Keywords: | Power; People; Exploring; Identity Management; Lesbian; Gay; Bisexual; Employees; Irish Workplace; |
Academic Unit: | Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Business |
Item ID: | 13876 |
Depositing User: | IR eTheses |
Date Deposited: | 25 Jan 2021 11:37 |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/13876 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
Repository Staff Only (login required)
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year