Latinos in the United States: understanding Latinidad and its challenges for organizational research

Publication Date

6-13-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Volume

44

Issue

4

DOI

10.1108/EDI-11-2024-0522

First Page

380

Last Page

397

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the complexities of studying Latinos in the United States and proposes a novel framework for understanding Latino experiences in organizations. We emphasize the fact that Latinos are not a monolithic group and highlight the importance of emerging pan-ethnic categories of identification, such as Latinx and Latinidad. We conclude with a model describing the intersectionality of various identities to help understand the range of Latino experiences in work and organizational settings. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from Latino nomenclature and history, personal narratives of the authors’ diverse lived experiences and prior research, we develop the Latino Diversity Model, which places Latinidad at its core, as a framework for researching this community. Findings: The Latino Diversity Model incorporates several dimensions of Latino identity together with organizational factors that affect Latino experiences. Identity dimensions include national origin, race/skin color, generation/immigration status, language/accent, socioeconomic status/education, sexual orientation, gender and gender expression, and religion. Organizational dimensions include demographic diversity, majority/minority status, organizational climate and group power dynamics. Originality/value: Although Latino Studies scholars across multiple disciplines have incorporated the diverse experiences of the broader Latino communities into their research, a notable gap exists in the business and management disciplines. Business schools have largely distanced themselves from this critical research, leaving a void in our understanding of the contributions and challenges of Latinos in management and organizational contexts. The proposed model can serve as a framework for future organizational research focusing on this understudied yet significant population.

Keywords

Diversity, Hispanic, Identity, Latina, Latinidad, Latino, Latinx

Comments

This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact permissions@emerald.com

Department

Management

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