A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Perceptions of Optimal Bystander Interventions in Gender Microaggressions
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2023-06-29
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en
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This research examines women’s perceptions of key features of optimal bystander interventions in
relation to gender microaggressions targeting women in the workplace. To this day, gender
microaggressions perpetuate gender biases that marginalize women, yet little is known about how to
best quell them. By employing an abductive approach through incorporating existing research literature
and semi-structured interviews, this research underscores the importance of active bystander
intervention, mostly by supporting the target and by addressing the microaggression to prevent future
occurrences. However, this study also demonstrates that there is no one-size-fits-all optimal bystander
intervention. Various contextual factors play a crucial role, and this research has identified multiple
circumstances that influence women’s perceptions of optimal interventions. Recognizing the influence
of the Gender Identity Theory further enhances our understanding of how women perceive and respond
to gender microaggressions (differently), thereby informing the development of effective bystander
interventions. Optimal bystander interventions require bystanders to carefully tailor their responses to
the specific situation and to the individuals involved. By taking into account the proposed considerations
for optimal bystander interventions, active bystanders ensure that targets receive the necessary support
while taking an important step towards making expressions of gender bias collectively unacceptable.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen