C. Douglas Johnson

Assessing the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure for Measurement Equivalence Across Racial and Ethnic Groups

An increasing number of organizational researchers examine the effects of ethnic identity and other-group orientation. In doing so, many use Phinneys (1992) Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), which purportedly allows simultaneous assessment of various groups. Although several studies demonstrate adequate validity and reliability for scores on the MEIM, the only two studies that have assessed its measurement equivalence across racial and ethnic groups (a) focus exclusively on the ethnic identity component, (b) use entirely adolescent samples, and (c) obtain somewhat mixed results. Because ethnic identity is still developing during adolescence, it cannot be assumed that equivalence or lack thereof among adolescents will generalize to adults. The present study examines the measurement equivalence of both components of the MEIM across racial and ethnic groups using a sample of 1,349 White, Hispanic, African American, and Asian American adults. The results suggest that Roberts et al.s revised version demonstrates evidence of measurement equivalence.

University students' perceptions of sexual harassment in the workplace: A view through rose‐colored lenses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess whether a gap exists in student perceptions of sexual harassment in the workplace as compared to the realities. Over 20 years following the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the US Supreme Court recognized sexual harassment as a cause of action under Title VII. However, despite the developing law and public awareness of the same, sexual harassment persists in todays workplace, and its presence and effects continue to be underestimated by relevant stakeholders, including university students.Design/methodology/approach – College students (n = 1,373) provide perceptions on sexual harassment of self, sexual harassment of others, potential career impact of sexual harassment on self, and demographic information. Descriptive statistics are used to evaluate research questions, while t‐tests determine if differences exist by race and/or gender.Findings – The papers findings suggest that the majority of respondents believe sexual harassment is not a seriou...

The effects of sensitive symbols on class project selection decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the idea that symbols can serve as a cue to group membership and to assess discrimination towards working with individuals displaying certain symbols – the ichthus, the gay pride symbol and the Confederate flag.Design/methodology/approach – This study looked at one particular method (i.e. clothing worn) of revealing ones attitude towards an issue or group, such as the Confederacy or Christianity. This study was designed to test selection preferences for three different symbols each against a control group. The experimental independent variable of symbol had four levels (control, ichthus, gay pride triangle, and Confederate flag). Two subject variables were tested as moderating variables (ethnic identity and Christian identity). Each of these was measured via a questionnaire, and a median split on scores was used to create two groups: strong and weak identity for each scale. The dependent variable was the selection preference for the target individual. Partic...

Family history of chronic disease and participation in healthy behaviours

This article presents an investigation into whether individuals incorporate information on their family genetic (health) endowment into decision making regarding participation in behaviours related to the production of health capital. Competing theoretical perspectives exist as to how genetic endowment should affect participation in health-related behaviours. There is also a growing consensus that the availability of genetic information holds important consequences for the individual in terms of investment in human capital, the pricing and availability of health insurance, and labour market opportunity. Therefore, the question of how individuals use the greater availability of genetic data is important. Our empirical results indicate that poor genetic endowment tends to be associated with a lower probability of participation in cigarette smoking, but also a lower probability of participation in regular exercise.

Atypical diversity teaching and training conference yields unique blend of offerings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the conference on “Teaching and Training Workplace Diversity: Best Practices and Research” held 13‐15 July 2007, on the campus of George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.Design/methodology/approach – This report highlights the conceptualization of the conference, its intended purpose, structure and participants, as well as specifics of the sessions offered for the benefit of the 56 conference attendees.Findings – The essence of effective diversity management is to fully utilize all the human resources available and thereby to achieve the established purpose and associated goals and objectives. This conference in and of itself was a diversity management best practice, as its success largely depended on the active contribution of the participants.Originality/value – The paper provides an original and interesting report of an atypical conference on diversity teaching and training, with a unique blend of offerings, which was effective in bringing togeth...

“Doing well by doing good” garners broad appeal for Academy of Management Conference

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the 67th Annual Academy of Management Conference held 3‐8 August 2007, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.Design/methodology/approach – Conference highlights are categorized into five themes: justice and equality, ethics and social responsibility, power and privilege, harassment and discrimination and diversity and inclusion. A sampling of papers and symposia deemed exemplars for each theme were included in the report.Findings – The conference theme, “doing well by doing good”, generated theme‐related submissions which are of interest to the EOI readership.Originality/value – The report offers insights on various themes from authors from different theoretical perspectives and varied research methodologies.