How different can differences be(come)?: Interpretative repertoires of diversity concepts in Swiss-based organizations

Ostendorp, Anja; Steyaert, Chris (2009). How different can differences be(come)?: Interpretative repertoires of diversity concepts in Swiss-based organizations Scandinavian Journal of Management, 25(4), pp. 374-384. Elsevier 10.1016/j.scaman.2009.09.003

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This study looks at how global ideas of diversity are practiced in Swiss-based organizations at a time when related social interventions vary widely: how do those interventions enable or foreclose varieties of difference? Using a discourse psychological analysis, we identify four interpretative repertoires that professionals and participants draw upon to make sense of interventions: luxury, emergency, interest, and inclusion. Examining the consequences these repertoires have for constructing difference, we show that their use often impedes the processes of inscribing differences into the overall organization. We conclude that the way diversity travels is strongly impacted by the political negotiation through which the standard image of the “ideal worker” can be challenged and other images can be infused into a more hybrid organization.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Social Work > Institute for Counselling, Mediation, Supervision School of Social Work
Name:	Ostendorp, Anja and Steyaert, Chris
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
ISSN:	09565221
Publisher:	Elsevier
Language:	English
Submitter:	Anja Ostendorp
Date Deposited:	27 Mar 2023 16:04
Last Modified:	27 Mar 2023 16:04
Publisher DOI:	10.1016/j.scaman.2009.09.003
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Diversity; Corporate social interventions; Difference; Interpretative repertoires; Discursive psychology; Translation
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.19020
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/19020