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The (In)Visibility of Diversity in Alternative Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Regine Bendl

    (WU Vienna)

  • Alexander Fleischmann

    (IMD)

  • Angelika Schmidt

    (WU Vienna)

Abstract

Reflecting current debates on ‘organizational virtues’ as going beyond the capitalocentrist bias of contemporary economies and to see diversity as ‘ethical responsibility,’ this article explores ‘ethical organizing’ at the intersection of alternative organizations and diversity. Our interest in a diversity-oriented analysis of alternative organizations stems from the assumption that those which question taken-for-granted notions of existing economies and follow alternative values of autonomy, solidarity, and responsibility might also be likely to challenge existing diversity relations and, thus, potentially open up new avenues for ethical organizing. Discussing our findings in terms of Lewis and Simpson’s (in)visibility vortex, our study shows that even though organizations position themselves discursively as ‘alternative,’ this positioning is not related to diversity issues. We conclude that a shift is needed to fully constitute ethical organizing, namely the establishment of a strong connection between alternative organizations’ virtues with, e.g., the feminist, anti-racist, queer, and disability rights movements.

Suggested Citation

  • Regine Bendl & Alexander Fleischmann & Angelika Schmidt, 2025. "The (In)Visibility of Diversity in Alternative Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 196(2), pages 273-289, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:196:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-024-05683-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05683-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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