Social Identity Theory and diversity management: A socio-psychological approach to inter-gender dynamics in organizations

Filippo Ferrari

Chapter 3 in Feminist Perspectives in Business Studies, 2025, pp 57-73 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The chapter explores diversity management as a strategy for fostering inclusive workplaces and achieving competitive advantage. While literature often addresses discrimination across various dimensions, such as religion, ethnicity, and gender, persistent issues such as occupational segregation, the glass ceiling, and gender pay gaps remain unresolved. Social psychology, particularly Social Identity Theory (SIT), provides a valuable framework for understanding and addressing these issues. SIT suggests that identity, shaped by social categorization, can influence behavior and lead to gender favoritism or discrimination. However, role salience – the prominence of one's professional role over gender – can mitigate inter-gender discrimination in workplace contexts. This chapter discusses how applying SIT can help to explain and reduce gender-based conflicts and discrimination by leveraging multiple group memberships within organizations, ultimately promoting a more equitable work environment.

Keywords: Diversity management; Social Identity Theory; Gender discrimination; Occupational segregation; Glass ceiling; Role salience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035335992
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