Research Article

Disclosure of stigmatized identities at work: An interdisciplinary review and agenda for future research

Published: 2020-2

Journal: Journal of Organizational Behavior

DOI: 10.1002/job.2402

Abstract

This review focuses on the disclosure decisions faced by employees with concealable stigmatized identities—one of the most challenging decisions these individuals must make on a day‐to‐day basis. Indeed, multiple theoretical frameworks have provided a foundation for understanding the antecedents and outcomes associated with the decision to disclose or not to disclose a stigmatized identity. What is less clear, however, is the extent to which these frameworks have been empirically supported. This systematic review serves to unify the extant literature and prompt continued research related to employees with concealable stigmatized identities. Specifically, we draw upon multiple fields of study, including applied psychology, management, social psychology, and occupational health as a means to systematically synthesize the existing empirical research related to disclosure of stigmatized identities at work. In addition to advancing the scholarly knowledge of disclosure, this review also provides practical utility to organizations as they continue to create work environments that foster inclusion of all stigmatized and nonstigmatized employees.

Faculty Members

  • Isaac Emmanuel Sabat - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas
  • Kayla B. Follmer - Department of Management Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland
  • Rose L. Siuta - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas

Themes

  • Interdisciplinary Research
  • Workplace Inclusion
  • Employee Disclosure Decisions
  • Theoretical Frameworks
  • Stigmatized Identities

Categories

Download Article