The dynamic labor force: Findings from the 2009 annual meeting of the Southern Management Association

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the highlights of research on gender and diversity that was presented at the recent 2009 annual meeting of the Southern Management Association in Asheville, North Carolina.

Design/methodology/approach: The papers covering topics relevant to gender and diversity are summarized. The papers vary in terms of research design and methodology. There was a mix of conceptual papers and empirical studies using both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Findings: Overall, the emerging trend of an increase in minority and women employees is becoming greater. Owing to this trend it is necessary for organizations to prepare themselves in order to accommodate and properly manage this workforce. Minority and women employees should also prepare themselves with strategies to combat discrimination at work in order to benefit fully from this emerging trend. Gender impacts the perceptions of both men and women employees, and associated outcomes may vary based on the type of job or position held by the employee. Religion is becoming more important to employees and their religious beliefs and level of spirituality may be linked to both individual performance and interdependent work outcomes.

Originality/value: The papers presented contribute to the body of research knowledge and better the understanding of the role that diversity plays in organizations. Ideas for future research and practical implications are also presented.