The main goal of this project is to conduct an exploratory qualitative study examining the workplace experiences of individuals who identify as multiracial. In recent years, scholars have made important contributions to our understanding of the experiences of racialized individuals at work. However, this research has largely relied on a monoracial framework, focusing on individuals who identify with a single racial group. As a result, current knowledge does not adequately reflect the experiences of people with multiracial identities.

This gap is increasingly significant. Multiracial individuals represent a substantial and rapidly growing proportion of the population and workforce. In North America, census data indicate continued growth in the number of individuals identifying as multiracial (U.S. Census, 2020; Statistics Canada, 2017). Similar trends are evident internationally: in the U.K., the number of people identifying as “mixed/multiple ethnic groups” increased by 40% between 2011 and 2021 (Office for National Statistics, 2022), and Australia reports comparable growth (Fozdar, 2022). Despite these demographic shifts, research on multiracial identity in organizational contexts remains extremely limited.

This project seeks to address that gap by extending how race and identity are conceptualized in organizational and management research. By drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the study aims to deepen understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and to highlight the limitations of prevailing monoracial approaches for capturing the complex lived experiences of multiracial employees.

The project is currently in the data collection phase. We are conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews with individuals who identify as multiracial in order to understand their experiences at work. The study explores the following research questions:

1. What are the unique needs of multiracial individuals at work, and under what conditions do they thrive?

2. Do multiracial individuals experience distinct forms of bias or workplace discrimination, and how effectively do organizational diversity initiatives support them?

3. How do contextual, individual, and intersectional factors shape the workplace experiences of multiracial individuals?

This large-scale research project requires support with data verification and preparation for qualitative analysis. Dr. Marie-Hélène Budworth and her postdoctoral research colleague will supervise the project and provide ongoing mentoring and guidance to the undergraduate research assistant.

The undergraduate student will gain hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, research coordination, and data management. A key responsibility will involve reviewing digital interview transcripts while listening to audio recordings to ensure transcription accuracy.

Summary of DARE Student Responsibilities:

• Manage the organization and secure storage of digital research files

• Read and review interview transcripts

• Verify data accuracy through careful comparison of audio recordings and transcripts

• Strong attention to detail: ability to carefully review, edit, and verify interview transcripts for accuracy and completeness

• Highly organized and systematic: capable of managing, tracking, and securely storing digital research files and documentation

• Clear written communication skills for documentation and research coordination

• Strong listening skills and patience for detailed audio review and transcription verification