We Are People First: Framing Organizational Assimilation Experiences of the Physically Disabled Using Co-Cultural Theory |
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| Authors: | Marsha Cohen Susan Avanzino |
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| Institution: | 1. Management Department , California State University , Chico mcohen@csuchico.edu;3. Department of Communication Arts &4. Sciences , California State University , Chico |
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| Abstract: | This study explores how organizational members with disabilities experience and manage organizational assimilation in the workplace. The organizational socialization model was used to initially analyze participants' assimilation experiences and co-cultural theory was used as a framework for examining how participants negotiate assimilation. Interviews with 24 participants with physical disabilities were analyzed. Results illustrate a dynamic and difficult process of managing and negotiating assimilation, using a variety of communication strategies such as accommodation (attempts to keep some cultural identity) and assimilation (attempts to conform), as opposed to separation (rejecting common connection with dominant members and bonding only with co-cultural members). |
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| Keywords: | Co-Cultural Theory Disability Organizational Communication Socialization Workplace |
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