Emerald | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal | Table of Contents

Dress and appearance codes in the workplace: Gender, sexuality, law and legal institutions

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Todd Brower, Jackie Jones) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Performance, gender and sexualised work: beyond management control, beyond legislation? A case study of work in a recruitment company.

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Organisations seek to manage and control the dress, appearance and behaviour of their employees for strategic corporate advantage but what are the far-reaching implications of this for employers and employees? This paper aims to identify the explicit and implicit codes for appearance and behaviour imposed by management and co-workers.Design/methodology/approach - Adopting an ethnographic case study method this research, conducted in a recruitment agency specialising in placing construction industry personnel, draws on data obtained from four in-depth, semi-structured interviews with senior managers, a focus group with female employees and participant observation methods, and provides an intriguing insight into the grooming and packaging of female employees.Findings - Findings show this aesthetic and behavioural 'packaging' of the female employees comes with consequences for client, employer and employee. The females cannot escape the aesthetic and sexualised image imposed upon them as management strategy and often have no choice but to 'perform' for clients to manipulate situations for their own advantage.Research limitations/implications - Because of the research approach adopted and the relatively small sample size, generalizability is limited. It would be helpful to replicate the study in other settings.Originality/value - The paper highlights the existence of official and unofficial controls over dress, appearance and behaviour and the pressure exerted on women in the workplace.

What’s in the closet: Dress and appearance codes and lessons from sexual orientation

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Todd Brower) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Dress and appearance codes are often seen as trivial, both because they seem to fit within our notions of how people ought to behave, and because they appear to reflect legitimate employer concerns in running a business. But they are not constructed in a vacuum. They reflect and enshrine societal stereotypes and expectations of women and men and how they look – including assumptions about gender and sexuality and majoritarian norms. As such, they punish anyone who is an outlier by reason of gender, sexuality, race, religion, or culture. This paper seeks to identify the assumptions and effects on gender, sexuality, professionalism and class in appearance and behavior codes.Design/methodology/approach - This is a conceptual paper exploring United States case law on dress codes and employee appearance standards to examine issues of gender and sexual orientation identity on the job. By combining insights from sexual orientation identity theories and visibility, the paper seeks to uncover some of the interactions and effects of these appearance policies on women and LGBT persons in the workplace.Findings - This paper shows that identity strategies and performances used by LGBT individuals and women in the workplace implicate sexuality and gender, but also professionalism and class. These dress and appearance codes carry with them consequences for both employers and employees.Practical implications - The paper highlights the gender, sexuality and identity performance burdens on women and sexual minorities workplace controls over dress and appearance.Originality/value - The paper discusses topics that are of interest to persons studying sexuality and gender identity issues in employment. It is based on an unpublished talk at the EDI conference in Vienna 2010

Trans dressing in the workplace

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Jackie Jones) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the article is to examine the problems faced by transsexuals in the workplace. In particular to analyse whether the applicable anti-discrimination laws in the United Kingdom are effective in preventing harassment of transsexuals in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses common problems faced by transsexuals at work, including dress codes. Findings - There are few UK cases dealing with these issues at and the law has so far not been effective at stopping discriminatory behaviour towards transsexuals in the workplace. A more supportive approach is required. Originality/value - There are few, if any, articles that specifically look at the effect on transsexuals of dress codes, law and organizational change in this way.

Ms. Y: a life less ordinary – an interview

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Jackie Jones) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Ms. Y is a MTF (male-to-female) woman. The purpose of the interview is to examine the problematics of leading a life that is perceived as different in the workplace and in private. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses common problems faced by transsexuals at work Findings - Ms. Y divulges some personal and intimate thoughts, in particular her thoughts about dress codes, difficulties at work and becoming herself.Originality/value - The interview comments highlight the lack in the pace of change and persistent attitudes towards transsexuals.

Managing Cultural Differences, Leadership Skills and Strategies for Working in a Global World (8th)

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Scott Comber) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.