Neuro-inclusive organizational research: a relational model
Joanna Maria Szulc, Frederike Scholz, Sophie Hennekam, Eline JammaersPurpose
The interest of organizational scholars in strengthening the inclusion of neurodivergent employees has spiked in recent years. However, current knowledge on how to undertake organizational research in a neuro-inclusive way is lacking. This is important as failing to do so may lead employers and policymakers to rely on flawed insights and thereby develop policies and practices that do not achieve their intended inclusive impact.
Design/methodology/approach
We adopt a reflexive, multi-perspective approach structured around three interconnected levels of reflection. First, we draw on the authors’ reflexive narratives as a neurodiverse research team. Second, we examine scholars’ reflections on studying neurodiversity through qualitative survey data. Third, we explore neurodivergent contributors’ lived experiences of participating in research.
Findings
We propose a neuro-inclusive relational research model, which integrates organizational inclusion scholarship and ethics of care. Specifically, inclusion is the desired outcome while the practices are underpinned by the ethics of care.
Originality/value
We contribute by advancing methodological debates on how inclusion, the simultaneous experience of belonging and uniqueness, is achieved within neurodiverse research contexts.