IBS Lunchtime Research Seminar - Bring your whole (neoliberal) self to work: Constituting subjectivities through diversity and inclusion discourse on websites of investment banks

You are cordially invited to attend an International Business and Strategy Departmental Research Meeting, during which there will be a presentation by Melissa Carr, Henley Business School. A reminder that attendance for IBS (full time, research oriented) staff and full-time students is compulsory, and where possible, must be in person. Individuals unable to attend in person, due to legitimate reasons will be provided a Teams link on request. Non-IBS staff are welcome to attend, but must register prior to the event. If you have not received the email invite please email Angie Clark

Please join us in Room 108, Henley Business School, if you would like to attend, please register using the link below:

(View/vote in browser)

Please make sure you let me know in advance if you intend to attend in person so that the correct amount of catering is booked.

Date: Wednesday 20th March 2024, HBS Room 108

Time: 13.00 - 14.15pm

Abstract:

Corporate websites provide an opportunity for organisations to display their espoused values around diversity, equality and inclusion. But how do they illustrate the types of subjectivities that are welcomed and what do they say about the perfect worker? Through examining the websites of investment banks as discourse, I illustrate the types of subjects that are called into being through the diversity statements on the websites. Using neoliberalism as my theoretical lens, I show how the perfect worker is constructed as one who can develop the right physical practices of wellbeing, and the right psychological practices of personal growth and belonging. In doing so, the article contributes to an understanding of how neoliberalism has seeped with diversity discourse to both construct an ideal worker and limit opportunities for collective action and belonging.