The debate over gay marriages has focused attention on diversity and individuality.
Invisible social identities such as sexual orientation, some racial differences, and chronic illness influence interactions between people in distinct ways, creating a unique workplace dynamic unlike those associated with traditional, visible dimensions of diversity such as gender. Individuals with invisible differences must decide whether to reveal or disclose their difference to co-workers, supervisors, HR staff, and other organization members; organizations must decide whether to facilitate or discourage disclosure and what management strategies to employ to that end. Dr. Tammy MacLean, assistant professor at Suffolk University, will discuss the factors that influence individuals' decisions to reveal or conceal invisible differences in the workplace and the implications of those decisions.
An interactive session, “Invisible Differences in the Workplace,” will take place at Penn State Great Valley on April 15, 2004, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Musser Auditorium of the Safeguard Scientifics Building. Research will be presented and implications for managing diversity will be discussed. The event is free and open to the public, however seats are limited so reservations are requested. Please call 610-648-3206 to reserve a seat.
Guest speaker, Dr. MacLean teaches classes in organizational behavior, managing diversity, and business ethics. Her research includes: the effectiveness of ethics and compliance programs in constraining organizational misconduct, the diversity dynamics associated with invisible differences, and the role that organizations play in creating social change.
