"Threatened identity and diminished adjustment: The effect of work-related dehumanization on refugees"
by Tabarani, Patricia; Cardador, Teresa; Lagios, Constantin; Restubog, Simon Lloyd D; Diab, Jasmin (2025)
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of work-related dehumanization on refugees’ work experiences. Relying on identity threat and work adjustment theories, we hypothesize that work-related dehumanization hinders refugees’ work adjustment through internalized identity enactment threat, ultimately impeding refugees’ professional ability development and workplace well-being (i.e., workplace anxiety and job satisfaction). We also expect that a sense of low work inclusion will exacerbate these effects. Drawing from a qualitative pilot study and a three-wave survey of refugees in Lebanon, we find support for our hypothesized relationships. Our model and findings capture the lived experiences of refugees and highlight the challenges they face in adjusting to work in the face of wide-spread work-related dehumanization. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings, as well as proposing avenues for future research.
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Citation
Tabarani, Patricia, et al. “Threatened Identity and Diminished Adjustment: The Effect of Work-Related Dehumanization on Refugees.” Acad. Manag. Proc., vol. 2025, no. 1, Academy of Management, 2025, doi:10.5465/amproc.2025.14466abstract.
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