A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Traces of equality policy and diversity management in Finnish work organizations
Authors: Ylöstalo Hanna
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
Publication year: 2016
Journal: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal
Journal name in source: Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Journal acronym: EQUAL DIVERS INCL
Volume: 35
Issue: 7-8
First page : 415
Last page: 428
Number of pages: 14
ISSN: 2040-7149
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-12-2015-0104
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how equality and diversity are experienced in everyday work within Finnish work organizations and how equality policy and diversity management participate in maintaining the inequality regimes of the organizations.Design/methodology/approach - The empirical findings are based on 31 interviews, which were collected in two private sector work organizations. Inequality regimes, the interlocked practices, and processes that result in continuing inequalities in all work organizations, are used as an analytic tool.Findings - There is an individualizing tendency of equality in Finnish work organizations, which is also the premise of diversity management. Accordingly, the organizations cannot address structural and historical discrimination based on gender, race, and class. Also, when diversity is intrinsic to the corporate image, the members of the organization downplay and legitimize inequalities in their organization.Originality/value - The paper analyzes inequality regimes in a context that should be ideal for equality and diversity: Finland, where gender equality policies are relatively progressive, and organizations that strive for equality and diversity. This gives new insight on why inequalities are difficult to change.
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how equality and diversity are experienced in everyday work within Finnish work organizations and how equality policy and diversity management participate in maintaining the inequality regimes of the organizations.Design/methodology/approach - The empirical findings are based on 31 interviews, which were collected in two private sector work organizations. Inequality regimes, the interlocked practices, and processes that result in continuing inequalities in all work organizations, are used as an analytic tool.Findings - There is an individualizing tendency of equality in Finnish work organizations, which is also the premise of diversity management. Accordingly, the organizations cannot address structural and historical discrimination based on gender, race, and class. Also, when diversity is intrinsic to the corporate image, the members of the organization downplay and legitimize inequalities in their organization.Originality/value - The paper analyzes inequality regimes in a context that should be ideal for equality and diversity: Finland, where gender equality policies are relatively progressive, and organizations that strive for equality and diversity. This gives new insight on why inequalities are difficult to change.
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