LGBTQ+ Identity Disclosures in the Workplace: Exploring the Relationships Between Organizational Support, Interpersonal Justice, and Intention to Quit
Open Access
Author:
Boynton, Karen
Graduate Program:
Communication Arts and Sciences (MA)
Degree:
Master of Arts
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
February 20, 2024
Committee Members:
Kirt Wilson, Program Head/Chair Brian Manata, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor James Dillard, Committee Member Andrew High, Committee Member
Keywords:
self disclosure workplace LGBTQ+ identity identity disclosure organizational support
Abstract:
Disclosure of personal information is an integral part of relationship development in many contexts, from friendships to romantic relationships to the workplace. While disclosure is necessary for relationship development, many LGBTQ+ people find themselves conflicted when faced with the decision to disclose their LGBTQ+ identity to others, given that disclosure carries both risks and benefits. This project studies disclosure of identity as both an antecedent and an outcome in the context of the workplace, including both disclosure to coworkers and disclosure to supervisors. In this project, we surveyed employed individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ (N = 499). Results indicate that organizational support and disclosure are positively associated. Results also indicate that disclosure is negatively associated with intention to quit one’s job, however, interpersonal justice did not moderate the relationship between disclosure and intention to quit. Implications, future research, and limitations are explored.
