Negotiating identity in raced and gendered workplace interactions: The use of strategic communication by African American women senior executives within dominant culture organizations

Abstract

This research examines African American women executives’ communicative strategies for negotiating workplace interactions perceived as problematic. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 African American women senior executives employed in public and private sector U.S. organizations. Results of a thematic analysis reveales that the executives perceived challenges related to their identity as Black women in two salient interaction contexts: interacting with their White male colleagues, and interacting with African American coworkers and clients. Data analysis reveales a combination of direct and indirect or avoidance strategies that the executives used to adapt to, resist, or transform perceived challenges in their workplace interactions.

Key concepts:

• strategic communication
• African American women executives
• identity negotiation
• resistance
• domination