Achieving Construct Clarity Through Perceived Workplace Exclusion: A Critical Literature Analysis and Proposed Model

Abstract

There are many researchers who believe that workplace exclusion is a unique construct and worthwhile to study; however, there is also significant inconsistency across existing research in definitions and explanations. These variations illustrate the practical and investigative need for a more precise approach that can be consistently utilized to facilitate a common and deeper understanding of workplace exclusion. To this end, we build a bridge across the different perspectives to establish a clearer conceptual foundation. Our work focuses on the target's belief that they are being excluded, represented by the proposed concept of perceived workplace exclusion. We first analyze definitions and theoretical logic drawn from representative publications found across literatures on exclusion, mistreatment, and diversity by applying Suddaby's criteria for construct clarity. Our results show the presence of multiple definitions, an absence of clear differentiation from similar constructs, confusing contextual descriptions and approaches, and utilization of multiple, inconsistent theoretical perspectives. We then utilize valuable insights from our analysis, along with logic drawn from the perceived organizational membership framework, to craft the concept of perceived workplace exclusion. Through our work, we generate propositions and research questions to stimulate future research efforts that will result in significant theoretical advancement and accumulated knowledge.