Blind Spots in Employee Communication Research Regarding LGBT+ and Guidance for Future Research: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Research

Abstract

This paper aims to uncover blind spots in research on employee communication regarding LGBT+ to provide guidance for future research. To this end, we conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-guidelines. A systematic literature search in four databases yielded 3,055 records. Our final sample included 164 publications reporting on 178 quantitative studies (207,181 participants and 3,740 organizations). We extracted information regarding publication details, the content of the record, and the sample from eligible records. Blind spots relate to lacking research (a) outside the U.S., (b) in communication journals, (c) from strong author networks, (d) regarding single LGBT+ dimensions and intersectionality, (e) regarding less obvious forms of employee communication, (f) regarding longitudinal, experimental, research synthesizing, and observational approaches, (g) on other variables than job satisfaction, well-being, or commitment, and (h) on communication theories including LGBT+. For research in the field to thrive, we provide guidance for tackling these blind spots.