Research in Diversity: Lessons for Operations Management From the Women's Studies Field

Production and Operations Management · 2025 · Volume 34 · Issue 4

Abstract

We postulate that the study of diversity, equity, and inclusion can deepen and add relevance to research in operations management (OM). Specifically, the role of gender is little studied in the existing OM literature—to the detriment of the field. This article considers OM issues by employing the theories, data, and topics from the field of Women's Studies. Our findings indicate that incorporating viewpoints from Women's Studies can change what is considered research, improve the accuracy of OM research, extend existing studies in the field through new parameters, and open new areas of inquiry.

Keywords

Diversity, equity, and inclusion, women's studies, patriarchy, social construction theory, social justice theory

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