On the Front Lines of Disclosure: Unpacking the Identity Work of Disclosure Recipients

Abstract

Managing information regarding an invisible stigmatizing identity represents a perpetual dilemma for individuals in organizations. One important yet understudied element of the stigma disclosure calculus is the response of individuals who are the recipients of the stigmatizing information – individuals who are essentially on the frontlines of disclosure. This article aims at contributing to stigma identity management and workplace diversity research by focusing on the antecedents and outcomes of disclosure responses in organizations. We integrate theories of identity development, relational identification, and stigma in organizations with the burgeoning sociological and psychological literature on micro-aggressions to develop our model. The framework developed in this paper examines how the disclosure recipient’s identity development as a privileged person shapes their relational identification with the discloser and, in turn, results in a range of supportive to hostile responses to stigmatizing information. We propose that the disclosure recipient’s responses have important implications for the discloser’s identity development as well. The article concludes with a discussion of future implications for stigma and diversity research and diversity management and leadership development practices.