Gender and Power in Politics and Management

Research group

In today’s rapidly evolving world, diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) are at the forefront of scholarly and societal discussions. At the Institute for Management Research, we are well positioned to examine and provide guidance on the political and managerial responsibilities surrounding DEI. Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality and reducing inequalities.

The hotspot “Gender and Power in Management and Politics” offers innovative perspectives on these pressing questions. By bringing together a dynamic and diverse group of junior and senior researchers from Radboud University, the hotspot serves as a platform for fostering scientific collaboration and dialogue among its members, and also for engaging with societal stakeholders to drive real-world change.

With over 10 years of experience in fundamental and applied research – spanning commissioned studies to action-oriented research – we explore key questions: How can we design and implement effective interventions and policies across both public and private sectors, on local and global scales, to effectively promote DEI for the benefit of citizens, public institutions, employees, businesses and society? What are major obstacles to achieving these goals, and how can these be overcome?

Our research revolves around four core themes:

Organizational Change Towards Gender+ Equality

How can organizational interventions be structured to promote equality and diversity across both public and private sectors? What tools and strategies are most effective in fostering inclusivity? What role do inclusive leadership and inclusive practices play in different contexts? How can change agents overcome resistance and navigate the complexities of organizational politics?

Body and Identity Politics

In what ways do individuals’ identities contribute to both their marginalization and exclusion, or their positions of privilege across policy areas? How has identity politics driven meaningful change, and where has it been co-opted for problematic purposes? How can organizations implement meaningful interventions that address the diverse needs of individuals?

Intersectionality

How can we best understand the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, class, religion, or disabilities? What methods and theories are most effective for capturing these complexities? How can intersectionality be integrated into policy, and how can gender entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds seize opportunities in the public and private sectors?

Globalization and Transnational Feminisms

How does gender influence global processes like economic development, violent conflicts, and global disparities? What role do transnational feminist movements play in shaping global norms, advancing social change, and overcoming resistance from governments? How do these movements navigate internal differences and can they themselves serve as models for inclusivity and diversity?

Research Output and Societal Impact

Significant research funding from NWO, the European Union, and European science foundations.
Publications in top-tier international journals, and in the form of influential monographs, and handbooks, alongside accessible publications for broader audiences through social media, blogs, and magazines.
Synergy effects through policy advice, committee work, diversity training of public and private stakeholders.
Engagement with society through leadership roles in networks, regular media appearances, public lectures, and other outreach activities.