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Communicating "Out" at Work: Exploring Co-cultural Theory in the Context of Organizational Socialization

McKenna-Buchanan, Timothy P.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1404217936

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Communication Studies (Communication).
Sexual orientation/identity is unique in comparison to other forms of difference within organizations in that it is not visibly apparent. Thus, individuals who identify as gay or lesbian have the ability to negotiate their differentness in distinct ways. Grounded in co-cultural theory (CCT) and organizational socialization I examine how individuals who identify as gay or lesbian "negotiate their cultural differentness" during the process of joining, participating in, and exiting organizations (Orbe & Spellers, 2005, p. 174). Drawing on forty-two semi-structured interviews with individuals who identify as gay or lesbian, I explore how individuals navigate and story their experience in the workplace. The data was analyzed through constant comparative thematic analysis which had overarching influence on each of the three research questions. I report the findings in three chapters. First, I used a thematic analysis to uncover the ways in which individuals who identify as gay or lesbian communicatively navigate and experience the workplace: personally, organizationally, and relationally. Then, I offer six narrative cases to magnify the heteronormative discourse in the workplace as storied through my participants' voices. Finally, I highlight the intersection of privilege and marginalization using poetic sensibilities. By providing varied representations of individuals who identify as gay or lesbian in the context of the workplace, I strive to contribute meaningfully to complicating and extending our understanding of difference in the workplace.
Brittany Peterson (Advisor)
274 p.
Communication
Organizational Socialization; Co-cultural Theory; LGBTQ; Heteronormativity; Privilege; Co-cultural organizational socialization; Organizational Communication

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McKenna-Buchanan, T. P. (2014). Communicating "Out" at Work: Exploring Co-cultural Theory in the Context of Organizational Socialization [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1404217936

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McKenna-Buchanan, Timothy. Communicating "Out" at Work: Exploring Co-cultural Theory in the Context of Organizational Socialization . 2014. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1404217936.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McKenna-Buchanan, Timothy. "Communicating "Out" at Work: Exploring Co-cultural Theory in the Context of Organizational Socialization ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1404217936

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1404217936
766
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.