Eileen Kwesiga

Immigrants: The new “invisible men and women” in diversity research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the invisibility of immigrants in diversity research in the management field. Design/methodology/approach – Reasons for the paucity of immigrant research, focusing on discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of low‐skilled Hispanic immigrants in the USA, are examined. Considerations of what can be applied to the study of immigrants from extant diversity research are explored. Findings – Experiences of Hispanic immigrants to the USA are largely absent from diversity literature even though immigrants are significant contributors to the diversity of the USA. There are clear differences in the employment experiences of native‐born Hispanic‐Americans and those who are immigrants, with the latter, both documented and undocumented, generally faring worse in wages, benefits, and interpersonal treatment when compared with those who are native‐born. Research limitations/implications – Suggestions for research are provided to increase the inclusion of immigrants in diversity research. Originality/value – This paper focuses on integrating the experiences of discrimination of low‐skilled Hispanic immigrants, who comprise the bulk of newcomers to the USA, into the mainstream diversity literature in management studies and provides questions to stimulate research in the area.

Exploring the Literature on Relationships Between Gender Roles, Intimate Partner Violence, Occupational Status, and Organizational Benefits

Studies of intimate partner violence (IPV) and work have been primarily conducted with women in low-wage low-status (LWLS) positions, as much of this research has focused on poverty, welfare, and homelessness. Although women in LWLS positions represent a large percentage of working women in the United States, it is also important to investigate experiences of women in high-wage high-status (HWHS) positions because a growing number of women are employed within such jobs. We propose gender role theory can be used to explain occurrences of IPV among women in HWHS positions and their utilization of organizational benefits. We suggest those in HWHS positions may be likely to have access to organizational benefits (e.g., medical, vacation, and flexible work schedules) and the ability to utilize the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, prevailing gender roles existing in organizations may render women in HWHS positions unlikely to use benefits or to take leave.

Back to organizational socialization: building a case for the advancement of women in organizations

Although organizational socialization is a powerful phenomenon with numerous long lasting effects on employees, many organizations and employees weather the experience unconsciously, going through the process blindly and unaware of its powerful influences. Though studies have analyzed organizational socialization and the role of newcomers in the process, none have looked at the role of specific socialization tactics and their influence on women’s careers in organization. In this paper we consider the relationship between organizational socialization methods and the advancement of women’s careers in organizations. We develop and discuss a theoretical integrative framework and propositions, and conclude with implications and suggestions for future research to better explain the linkages between organizational socialization tactics and women’s career advancement strategies.

Advancing Africa through management knowledge and practice: the way forward

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and summarizes the articles that were accepted for the special issue focusing on “Advancing Africa through management knowledge and practice”. The paper also provides suggestions for future research focus for researchers on management issues in and about Africa.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a conceptual review the distinctiveness of the five articles in the special issue which focus a personal reflection about management research and education in Africa, effective leadership development in Africa and the African diaspora, performance management implementation in the public sector; internationalization process of African businesses with special reference to banks; and strategic factors that could be emphasized by African firms to improve their performance. These papers are synthesized to present a coherent management research framework for Africa.Findings – African management research requires a strategic choice approach, which asks intere...

Building strategic alliances

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight findings from research presented at the 2007 International Academy of African Business and Development Conference in London, UK.Design/methodology/approach – A select group of papers were chosen from the proceedings and presentations made at the conference for this report. The International Academy of African Business and Development Conference draws participants from the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia.Findings – Research findings from the empirical studies indicated women and people of color face continue to face barriers in employment and the workplace. Women continue to experience gender role stereotypes detrimental to their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.Originality/value – The research papers selected give some insight into the issues of gender and diversity from a cross‐cultural perspective.

Sustainable entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: the collaborative multi-system model

In this article, we explore the dimensions involved in creating a sustainability-focused entrepreneurial venture within a community. In these ventures the entrepreneur may be the central hub of venture activities, but the interdependence between the entrepreneur and partners in the community is critical. Our observations suggest that the path toward sustainability starts with external collaboration with entities in the entrepreneurs surrounding system. Our aim is to extend entrepreneurship research through an examination of sustainability, which calls for a recalibration in the role of profit and social/economic good. This research offers a comparative analysis of two case studies, and proposes a fluid and integrative multi-systems model of collaboration with various entities, including governments, the private sector, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the larger community.