Study Highlights How Fostering Authenticity and Understanding Can Build Stronger, More Equitable Workplaces for All
New INFORMS Organization Science Study Key Takeaways:
- Workplaces with authenticity climates significantly reduce social uncertainty, helping Black employees feel safe to express their true selves and affirm their identities.
- Perspective-taking enhances the effects of authenticity climates, with data showing it increases Black employees’ confidence in navigating workplace relationships and expressing their identity.
- Black employees who affirm their identities show greater organizational involvement, contributing to stronger team relationships, higher engagement and reduced turnover.
BALTIMORE, MD, February 19, 2025 – A groundbreaking study in the INFORMS journal Organization Science has revealed how workplaces can better support Black employees, ensuring they feel empowered to express their true selves. Conducted by a team of researchers from leading universities, the study highlights the transformative power of inclusive environments where authenticity and mutual understanding are valued.
For Black employees, the decision to express cultural aspects of their identity – such as wearing natural hairstyles or sharing personal traditions – can feel fraught with uncertainty. This hesitation often stems from a fear of how colleagues might react, a concept the researchers term “social uncertainty.” The study finds that creating workplace climates that embrace authenticity can ease these fears, fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
“When employees feel encouraged to be authentic, it not only benefits their mental well-being but also strengthens their engagement and contributions to the organization,” says Cynthia Wang, an author of the paper and professor at Northwestern University. “We also discovered that when employees actively practice perspective-taking – by imagining the experiences and perspectives of others – relationships across diverse groups improve, building trust and mutual respect.”
The study, “Increasing Black Employees’ Social Identity Affirmation and Organizational Involvement: Reducing Social Uncertainty Through Organizational and Individual Strategies,” underscores that diversity, equity and inclusion are about more than numbers or policies.
“They’re about creating spaces where people from all backgrounds feel respected, valued and supported to bring their full selves to work,” says Alexis Nicole Smith, a co-author from Oklahoma State University. “This research shows that fostering authenticity and understanding can transform not just individual experiences but also organizational culture.”
The study also highlights the ripple effects of these inclusive practices. Black employees who feel secure in expressing their identities are more likely to participate in organizational activities, strengthen workplace relationships and contribute creatively to their teams. Ultimately, these changes benefit everyone, creating a more engaged and collaborative workforce.
Alongside Wang and Smith, fellow co-authors Gillian Ku of London Business School, Bryan Edwards of Oklahoma State University, Edward Scott of the University of Pennsylvania and Adam Galinsky of Columbia University, say this research calls on leaders and organizations to consider how they can create workplaces in which every employee, regardless of their background, feels heard and valued.
“This work offers actionable steps to bridge gaps, foster perspective-taking and reduce barriers to inclusion. We hope these findings inspire organizations to take meaningful steps toward inclusion by focusing on the lived experiences of employees and recognizing the unique strengths that come from diverse identities and perspectives,” concludes Wang.
About INFORMS and Organization Science
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. Organization Science, a leading INFORMS journal, publishes innovative research on strategy, management and organizational theory. INFORMS empowers its community to enhance organizational performance and drive data-driven decision-making through its journals and resources. Learn more at www.informs.org or @informs.
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Ashley Smith
443-757-3578
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Ashley Smith
Public Affairs Coordinator
INFORMS
Catonsville, MD
[email protected]
443-757-3578