Abstract
Why do certain workplace inclusion efforts fail or not yield the desired outcomes? To address this question, we conducted a nationwide survey and organized focus groups with stakeholders, including union representatives, lawyers, anti-discrimination advocates, minority protection associations, entrepreneurs, as well as leaders from the third sector and non-profit organizations, operating both locally and nationally. Focusing on the focus group outcomes here, we explore how diversity management practices are experienced in work settings and the resistances that sometimes hinder diversity initiatives and inclusion policies within an organization. Specifically, our objective was to comprehend the approach taken to address structural inequalities and the effectiveness of existing legal tools and protections in Italy. In contrast to a gradual melting pot, it becomes evident that Italian work environments and cultures lag behind other European nations in safeguarding minority rights through legal means. Our findings highlight that both legal and cultural barriers obstruct the establishment of an inclusive work environment where employees can safely express their needs and receive support in cases of discrimination. The focus groups highlighted various forms of resistance to diversity management, stemming from organizational roles and actions, as well as from the perspective of individuals belonging to privileged or marginalized groups.These initial results were further considered via a national survey on diversity management and workers discrimination experiences.
Presenters
Aurelio CastroPost-doc, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy Rossella Ghigi
Paola Villano
Full Professor, Dept of Education Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy Stefano Passini
Associate Professor , Department of Education Studies , University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Community Diversity and Governance
KEYWORDS
Organizational Challenges, Stakeholders, Legal Protection, Work-Culture, Mixed-Methods Research
