Organizational Practices for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities. A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the scoping review presented in this article is to map the state-of-the-art and development of empirical research of organizational practices designed to include people with disabilities. It contributes to debates on demand-side approaches in promoting the labour-market participation of people with disabilities.

Methods: A literature search took place in PsychINFO, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts and Sociological Index. Articles included empirical studies published between 2000 and 2023.

Results: The search resulted in 10,535 unique articles of which 146 were included in the review. Organizational inclusion practices have received increasing attention in academic journals in a variety of research fields. In terms of content two groups of studies can be distinguished: hiring studies and studies focusing on organizational practices aimed at employees with disabilities. Hiring studies include studies analysing relationships between a large range of factors and actual hiring or intention to hire as well as studies of a more exploratory nature. Studies focusing on employees with disabilities look at outcomes of specific organizational practices; the conditions promoting their implementation; or explore practices in organizations employing people with disabilities.

Discussion: Based on the findings of the review three suggestions for future research are discussed: (i) internationally comparative studies; (ii) specific attention to small and medium sized enterprises in studies of inclusion; (iii) systematic reviews as follow-ups to scoping reviews.