Shannon O’Rourke
ESR 7
E-Mail: shannon.orourke@open.ac.uk
Project abstract
This qualitative research study will explore the workplace and leadership experiences of sexual minority (LGBQ+) individuals in the UK and Italy. Initially, this project aimed to investigate the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the workplace; upon review of relevant literature around the different impacts of sexual orientation versus gender identity, it was determined that the research would focus on sexual orientation. I felt that this was a more realistic scope, and the decision was supported by both supervisors. This project will investigate the relationship between personal journeys with sexual orientation and professional lives, looking at issues such as identity management and expectations in the workplace. A phenomenological approach will aim to produce research findings that are centered around rich descriptions of lived experience. A focus on the embodied experience of being LGBQ+ in the workplace will explore how sexual orientation may or may not be communicated via vocal, visual, or other forms of physical cues. There will be an inquiry towards self-presentation, as well as notions of professionalism and the impact on individual and collective expressions of identity. To highlight the complexity and diversity of LGBQ+ experiences, this project will seek to understand how other identities/circumstances (age, race, religion, class, geographic location) intersect with sexual orientation and shape lived experience.
In addition to exploring individual experience, this research will examine the role of LGBQ+ leaders/employees in creating a culture of openness, inclusion, and diversity in a workplace/organization and explore how leaders experience these expectations.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Peter Hegarty, The Open University/UK
Posts
Showing Up As Your “Full Self”? A Conversation On Queer Authenticity (2) 1. October, 2023 In this episode, Hanna and Shannon have spoken about potential… …Showing Up As Your “Full Self”? A Conversation On Queer Authenticity (2) Read More »
Showing up as your “full self”? A conversation on queer authenticity 27. August, 2023 In this podcast, Hanna Szabó (she/her) and Shannon O’Rourke (she/her)… …Showing up as your “full self”? A conversation on queer authenticity Read More »
Finding ways into the LGBT+ Sector 12. May, 2023 In this podcast episode, Shannon O’Rourke (she/her) speaks to Helen… …
The joys and struggles of 15 PhD students 4. April, 2023 In this podcast episode, G-VERSITY Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) speak… …
When the personal becomes professional 9. March, 2023 In this podcast episode, G-VERSITY ESR Shannon O’Rourke (she/her) speaks… …
Be present, hold space, and stay curious: Advice for qualitative interviews 5. January, 2023 As a qualitative researcher investigating the lived experiences of lesbian,… …Be present, hold space, and stay curious: Advice for qualitative interviews Read More »
Connection as the antidote to feeling like an impostor 31. October, 2022 When I began my research on the experiences on lesbian,… …Connection as the antidote to feeling like an impostor Read More »
Mental Health during a PhD: lessons from my first year 13. June, 2022 In the past year of my PhD, I’ve been learning… …Mental Health during a PhD: lessons from my first year Read More »
Where I’m starting from: responding to impostor syndrome 13. December, 2021 I am in a seminar called “Where am I in… …Where I’m starting from: responding to impostor syndrome Read More »