Gendered challenge, gendered response: confronting the ideal worker norm in a white-collar organization.
Authors
Kelly-EL; Ammons-SK; Chermack-K; Moen-P
Source
Gend Soc 2010 Jun; 24(3):281-303
Abstract
This article integrates research on gendered organizations and the work-family interface to investigate an innovative workplace initiative, the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE), implemented in the corporate headquarters of Best Buy, Inc. While flexible work policies common in other organizations "accommodate" individuals, this initiative attempts a broader and deeper critique of the organizational culture. We address two research questions: How does this initiative attempt to change the masculinized ideal worker norm? And what do women's and men's responses reveal about the persistent ways that gender structures work and family life? Data demonstrate the ideal worker norm is pervasive and powerful, even as employees begin critically examining expectations regarding work time that have historically privileged men. Employees' responses to ROWE are also gendered. Women (especially mothers) are more enthusiastic, while men are more cautious. Ambivalence about and resistance to change is expressed in different ways depending on gender and occupational status.
Keywords
Workers; Behavior; Employees; Work-operations; Work-organization; Work-practices; Job-analysis; Men; Women; Workplace-studies; Psychological-responses; Attitude; Families;
Author Keywords: work/family; work/occupations; culture
Contact
Erin L. Kelly, Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota, 909 Social Sciences, 267 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
kelly101@umn.edu
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U01-OH-008788
Source Name
Gender & Society
Performing Organization
Portland State University
