The Balancing Act of Diversity Networks
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2025-12-10
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en
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This study explores how diversity networks navigate the potential tension between their own goals and those of organizational management, while at the same time maintaining support from organizational management. This can be referred to as the balancing act of diversity networks. Using Goffman’s dramaturgical approach, this research analyzes social interactions of the diversity network on the ‘frontstage’ (with organizational management) and ‘backstage’ (within the network). This qualitative single-case study explores a women’s network within a large Dutch administrative authority, using interviews, participant observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal that the balancing act is not static but evolves with the network’s degree of embeddedness in the organization. Initially, the network maintained autonomy to challenge organizational structures, relying on backstage preparation for carefully scripted frontstage performances. Over time, the focus of the network shifted toward individual empowerment and informal collaboration with organizational management, reducing the network’s critical stance. Ultimately, this study reveals the interplay between the nature of the balancing act, the network’s focus, its frontstage and backstage interactions, and its degree of embeddedness
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen