Dealing with the Dark Side of Sectarianism in Northern Irish Organisations:Guiding Principles on Inter-Group Workplace Communication

Aodheen O'Donnell, Owen Hargie

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    While Northern Ireland is still characterised by deep politico-religious divisions that permeate almost every aspect of life, the workplace has long been recognised as a particularly important forum where cross-community contact is facilitated and indeed legislated for. However, the sectarianism that has been endemic in this society for decades has inevitably seeped into the workplace. Based upon a thematic analysis of four studies examining inter-group relations and communication within workplaces, a set of guiding principles for dealing with such sectarianism, in relation to inter-group workplace communication, has been developed. These principles, while derived from the specific context of Northern Ireland, are founded on concepts such as equality and open communication and are thus more widely applicable.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)21-44
    JournalAustralian Journal of Communication
    Volume38
    Issue number1
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2011

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