Management Presents: Esteemed Scholar Enrica Ruggs
Join the Department of Management for a distinguished research talk by Dr. Enrica Ruggs (University of Houston). Dr. Ruggs’ research examines workplace diversity, discrimination, and inclusion, with a particular focus on how bias affects marginalized groups in organizational settings. Her work has been published in leading journals and featured in national media outlets, reflecting both its scholarly impact and real-world relevance.
Talk Title
Let’s Be Real: Understanding How Black Women Leaders Develop and Express their Authentic Selves at Work
Abstract
Black women leaders occupy a paradoxical position as it relates to displaying authenticity at work such that their marginalized race and gender identities may constrain authentic expression whereas their leadership status may enable it. We draw from interviews with 43 Black women in leadership positions across various industries to unpack how they navigate the complexity of authenticity at work. We develop a model to illustrate a process we call, authentic conformity calibration work, or the ongoing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral construction of what authenticity means and how it should be expressed.
Our findings challenge existing conceptualizations of authenticity as requiring conformity, consistency, and/or connection. More specifically, our findings suggest that Black women in leadership strategically approach authenticity in ways that allow them to maintain a sense of authenticity, even in environments that do not align with their true selves. We find that Black women leaders deploy various strategies to simultaneously facilitate positive outcomes for themselves and others as well as career success. Based on our model, we put forth several recommendations for organizations as well as for Black women currently navigating or aspiring to leadership positions in predominantly White and male-dominated organizations.
Additional Details
Hosted by the Department of Management, Saunders College of Business. Open to faculty, staff, and students across RIT.
A catered lunch will be provided following the talk. Registration is required if you plan to attend the lunch.
This event is open to all eligible members of the Rochester Community, regardless of protected category. View RIT nondiscrimination statement.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No