Publication Date

Summer 2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Altovise Rodgers

Keywords

affective committment, affinity group, employee, ERG, job embeddedness, organization

Subject Areas

Psychology

Abstract

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups formed in the workplace that focus on providing mutual support for members and that educate the organization about its members’ culture, identity, or experiences. The study’s purpose was to examine demographic antecedents and job outcomes associated with ERG participation. Specifically, this study examined gender identity and professional tenure as demographic antecedents of ERG participation and the relationship between ERG participation and employee outcomes, including job embeddedness and organizational commitment. Participants included 154 individuals employed at a technology company in the Northwestern United States who completed a survey regarding their personal characteristics and participation in ERGs as well as their commitment to and embeddedness within the organization. Results showed that female employees were more likely to become members of an ERG and to participate frequently. Additionally, frequent participation in ERG activities was associated with a stronger affective bond with the organization. Results also showed that professional tenure was not related to ERG membership or frequency of ERG participation. Finally, no relationship was found between frequent ERG participation and job embeddedness. Based on the findings of study, it is recommended that ERGs are properly funded and managed to allow for consistent participation by all employees and that organizations focus on intersectionality in their promotion of ERG events.

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