Communicating Identity in the Workplace and Affinity Group Spaces

Abstract

The following paper examined affinity group creation and purpose through an identity management lens by addressing the utility of an affinity group for those currently involved in homogeneous racial and nonracial groups as well as larger organizational diversity sessions. A thematic analysis revealed affinity group perceptions including several subthemes (logistics, helpful, harmful, more heterogeneity, and exclusion of identity). Organizational diversity sessions at large revealed similar subthemes (legitimizing identity, lack of safe spaces, intersectionality, and surface level discussions). Understanding how employees view organizational diversity efforts better equip organizations to enact specific diversity strategies that move beyond the mere rhetoric of diversity.