Overcoming diversity and inclusion barriers

: operationalising intersectionality as organisational best practice

Abstract

Intersectionality has emerged as a valuable framework in organizational studies, addressing the persistent limitations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. Despite their widespread adoption, DEI initiatives often face criticism for tokenism and their failure to mitigate systemic inequalities. These shortcomings stem from a single-axis approach to identity, which focuses on individual demographic groups without considering the complex interplay of multiple identities. Intersectionality offers a more holistic perspective, helping organizations recognize how various sources of inequality and privilege interact within the workplace, potentially hindering inclusion efforts. This study employs an inductive approach, rooted in grounded theory, deploying qualitative analysis through the Gioia methodology, to enquire into DEI initiatives implemented by five leading companies in the field. By examining these practices, the findings of the study allow us to identify key dimensions of DEI initiatives deemed crucial to pursue intersectional integration. Based on the latter, the study discusses a model of combined DEI efforts able to pursue intersectional integration, aiming to provide organizations with actionable managerial implications able to overcome existing DEI shortcomings. The study makes three main contributions to the literature. First, it is one of the earliest empirical works to operationalize intersectionality within organizational research. Second, it innovates methodological approaches in intersectionality studies while strengthening its connection to business ethics. Third, it advances DEI literature by offering a practical model that moves beyond tokenism toward systemic and transformative strategies. This research provides actionable insights for organizations seeking to embed intersectionality in their DEI efforts, fostering more inclusive workplaces.

Date of Award	23 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rosa Fioravante (Supervisor)