MASTERCLASS | Employee Reactions to the ‘Threat’ of Female Leadership and the Backlash Against DEI
Présentation
Why does female leadership trigger resistance at work?
Masterclass presented by Prof. Isabelle Solal
Across many societies, men are increasingly portrayed as “falling behind” women in education, health, and employment. These narratives have been linked to the rise of strong-man leaders, online “manosphere” movements, and a growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This masterclass reviews cutting-edge research to examine whether the (still modest) rise of women into leadership positions is experienced as a threat by male employees, and how such perceptions shape resistance, disengagement, or backlash within organisations. It also explores how organisations can reframe inclusion in ways that are credible, effective, and beneficial to all employees.
You will discover:
- How perceptions of threat shape employee reactions to female leadership and DEI initiatives
- The psychological and organisational mechanisms behind backlash against gender equality and inclusion
- Evidence-based strategies to reframe inclusion as a collective gain rather than a zero-sum game
- Practical insights for designing DEI policies that reduce resistance and strengthen organisational cohesion
Leave with a research-grounded framework to better understand employee resistance to gender equality, and concrete levers to design inclusion strategies that are both effective and sustainable.
L’organisateur
ESSEC Business School
Informations pratiques
