Criticality in Practice The Cyclical Development Process of Social Justice Allies at Work

• Published in: Advances in developing human resources Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 481 - 498
• Main Authors: Collins, Joshua C., Chlup, Dominique T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.11.2014; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Alliances; Critical theory; Employee development; Organization development; Social justice; Studies; oppression; marginalization; criticality; privilege; allies; social justice; and ally development
• ISSN: 1523-4223; 1552-3055
• DOI: 10.1177/1523422314544295

The Problem The connection between human resource development (HRD) and the practice of being an ally of social justice in the workplace seems worthy of meaningful dialogue, yet few publications have addressed this vital workplace need. The Solution The purpose of this article is to explore the importance of social justice allies’ critical perspectives regarding climates of inclusion in the workplace, and HRD’s role in facilitating the development of social justice allies. We envision the ally development process as cyclical, and we offer suggestions for HRD practitioners and organizations on how to foster environments of inclusion by allowing allies to grow and openly vocalize their convictions. The Stakeholders Viewing HRD as a mechanism for advancing and understanding the development of social justice allies in the workplace has the potential to impact both research and practice, for those deemed to possess privilege and for those deemed to be oppressed, and across many levels of hierarchy in organizations—from investors, to executives, to managers, to employees, and even to consumers/customers.