Mitigating the Golem effect and fostering inclusion: strategies for organizations to support autistic adults in the workplace

Salvador G. Villegas and Andrew I. Ellestad

Organization Management Journal, 2025, vol. 22, issue 3-4, 167-184

Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims to address workplace discrimination faced by autistic adults and proposes the Inclusive Support for Autistic Adults in the Workplace (ISAAW) framework to foster inclusion. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, Organizational Support Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm, the framework aims to mitigate the Golem Effect – a self-fulfilling prophecy where low expectations lead to reduced performance. ISAAW integrates strategies to build self-efficacy, enhance perceived organizational support and adopt a strength-based approach to neurodiversity, creating an environment where autistic employees can thrive while organizations benefit from their unique talents and perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a theoretical framework. The methodology involves synthesizing three established theories – Social Cognitive Theory, Organizational Support Theory and the Neurodiversity Paradigm – to create the novel ISAAW framework. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review examining self-fulfilling prophecies (particularly the Golem Effect), autism in the workplace and inclusion strategies. They developed their framework by identifying theoretical intersections and practical applications, resulting in a model that combines building self-efficacy, enhancing organizational support and adopting a strength-based neurodiversity approach to combat workplace discrimination against autistic adults.FindingsThe paper finds that autistic adults face significant workplace discrimination, with only 22% labor force participation compared to 81% for neurotypical individuals without disabilities. The authors determine that the Golem Effect (where low expectations lead to reduced performance) negatively impacts this population. Their ISAAW framework addresses this by integrating three theoretical approaches to create supportive workplace environments. Key findings suggest that organizations implementing this framework can expect increased workplace performance, stronger retention, reduced discrimination and higher job satisfaction among autistic employees. The authors note that implementation requires organizational commitment to all framework components rather than selective adoption.Originality/valueThe paper offers originality through its novel ISAAW framework, which uniquely integrates three established theories to address workplace discrimination against autistic adults. Unlike previous research that focused on isolated accommodations, this framework provides a comprehensive, practical approach to mitigate the Golem Effect specifically for autistic employees. The value lies in its holistic strategy that benefits both employees and organizations by transforming workplace culture to celebrate neurodiversity rather than merely accommodating it. By addressing the significant employment gap for autistic adults (22% vs 81% participation rate), the framework provides actionable strategies for organizations to tap into the unique strengths and perspectives of this underused talent pool.

Keywords: Neurodiversity; Golem effect; Self-fulfilling prophecy; Inclusive workplace; Autism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:omjpps:omj-03-2025-2520

DOI: 10.1108/OMJ-03-2025-2520

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