One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: The Unintended Consequences of Subordinate Group Members’ Success

Abstract

In this symposium, we highlight the double-edged nature of successes of those from underrepresented backgrounds. We suggest that it is crucial to examine the macro-level ramifications of more micro-level strategies. Without this understanding, it is possible that the promotion of strategies for individual successes can have broader negative consequences for race and gender inequality. In our first two presentations, we highlight how this relates to gender inequality, and in the second two, shift to examine how it relates to race, demonstrating the generalizability of this phenomenon to various forms of inequality. We thus emphasize that the path to a more equitable society will take more than attention to individual-level phenomena; managers and scholars alike must also be attuned to institutional-level consequences. Invoking Protective Paternalism Tempers Men’s Backlash Towards Female Accusers Presenter: Amelia Stillwell; U. of Utah The beauty myth: Prescriptive beauty norms for women reflect hierarchy-enhancing motivations Presenter: Leeat Ramati-Ziber; Tel-Aviv U. Presenter: Nurit Shnabel; Tel Aviv U. Presenter: Peter Glick; Lawrence U. Motivated Evaluations of White and Black Male Leaders’ Effectiveness Presenter: Vivian Xiao; Stanford U. Presenter: Brian Lowery; Stanford U. The Impact of a High-status Minority Member on Pursuing Diversity Goals Presenter: Julia D. Hur; New York U. Presenter: Jun Lin; New York U.