Abstract:

Sheryl Sandberg (2013) has called for women to 'Lean In' in organizations. However, research shows that achieving change requires both men and women to 'Lean In'. Men must take an active role, as efforts to promote gender equality have limited effectiveness when driven by women alone. In the talk I draw on ambivalence theory, to offer a comprehensive and systematic review of diverse findings in past research on men as allies in organizations, accounting for the complexities and nuances of becoming an ally. I examine ambivalence in all components of the allyship process (attitudes, motivations, behaviors, and outcomes) among women and men and outline directions for future research. I will also present findings from recent qualitative, experimental, and quantitative studies and discuss their theoretical and practical implications.