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FrancoAngeli Journals

Articles

No. 1 (2024)

Critical feminism to re-imagine a gendered narrative in organizational development

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/erp1-2024oa18280
Submitted
agosto 5, 2024
Published
2024-10-14

Abstract

The contribution focuses on the growing research on Diversity Management (DM) and its implications for gender equity, particularly in the Italian context. Although DM is recognized as a vital strategic choice for organizations globally, its development in Italy takes a predominant focus on issues regarding the female workforce. In fact, despite being generally more educated than men, women face lower employment rates, which further narrow with an increase in the number of children, and tend to have lower income due to the precariousness of their employment contracts, gender imbalance in economic sectors, and limited opportunities for advancement.

Within the theoretical framework, critical feminism focuses on dismantling patriarchal organizational structures, emphasizing reflection on privilege, structural reform for emancipation, increased gender awareness, and the reconstruction of solidarity. Simultaneously, social constructionism, rooted in the formulation of claims and narrative analysis, underscores the contextual and interactive nature of issues.

Previous studies highlight the need for a contextual understanding of DM approaches, and it is in this regard that the present research aims to contribute. The study employs narrative inquiry to understand perceptions of gender equity in organizations in Vicenza. Fifteen semi-structured interviews with human resource managers and/or union representatives will explore policies and organizational practices promoting gender equity. Subsequently, three digital storytelling workshops will be organized with staff from organizations demonstrating virtuous practices, allowing them to share their experiences. This effort aims to examine and disseminate organizational models for improving gender equity practiced by businesses in Vicenza.

The research aims to contribute to developing greater awareness and understanding of gender equity in Vicenza’s organizations and to provide insights and tools for promoting positive organizational change.

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