Examining the Under-examined: How Economic Status, Social Class, and Low Wages Impact Employees

Most organizational research has focused on skilled workers, professional employees, and managers; little attention has been paid to workers at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy, those who earn low wages or are at the lower ends of socioeconomic status. The four papers in this symposium shine light on these “under-examinedx employees, addressing questions such as: Do individuals from an economically disadvantaged background use traditional pathways for career advancement, such as mentoring and networking? Do the working poor form high-quality work relationships, and what benefits–if any–do they gain from these relationships? Do individuals at the bottom of the social hierarchy appreciate the significance of their jobs, and does task significance increase their work engagement and commitment? Do individuals from a background of poverty lead as effectively, and what personal characteristics help them develop a transformational leadership style against all odds?" Employees Who Felt Economicall...