Abstract / Description of output
We examine how the concern to maintain organizational status undermines social inclusion. To do this, we study the experience of Electi, an elite university in Peru, as it implements a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative aimed at diversifying the student body by enrolling becarios, academically accomplished students from low-income backgrounds. Although Electi enrolled these students, the initiative could have been more effective at achieving inclusion. In particular, we find that the presence of becarios represented a potential status threat for the organization and, consequently, faculty, staff, and students engaged in actions that respond to this threat. We identify four key processes unfolding at Electi: the creation and maintenance of a student prototype, the establishment of upper-class standards as the norm, the creation of a becario stereotype, and the concealment of information that might reveal lower social class. Together, these processes undermine the inclusion objectives of the DEI initiative. We conclude by discussing the theoretical implications of our work.
Original language | English |
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DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Jul 2023 |
Event | Academy of Management - Boston Duration: 4 Aug 2023 → 8 Aug 2023 |
Conference
Conference | Academy of Management |
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Period | 4/08/23 → 8/08/23 |