Discriminations in remote work contexts: the pivotal role of diversity and equality management

Abstract

PurposeWe examined the effect of management practices on overt and subtle forms of discrimination in remote working contexts. Management practices (i.e. diversity and equality management systems) may influence employees’ perception of the diversity climate and affect the occurrence of discrimination.Design/methodology/approachTo empirically investigate these associations, we administrated an online questionnaire with self-report measures via a 3-wave longitudinal research design.FindingsData analysis of our sample of N = 153 remotely working employees show that when managers invest in equality and diversity practices, employees perceive their workplace as more inclusive (i.e. diversity climate). In turn, this reduces the occurrence of subtle discriminations. Conversely, this relationship was not significant for overt forms of discrimination.Originality/valueThis result indicates that creating a diversity climate is especially important when combatting subtle forms of discrimination in remote work contexts. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings in light of managerial studies on discrimination at work and psychological literature on virtual environment and social networking.