Latent Ally Opportunities: How Target Frame of Reference Affects Decision To Speak Up

Authors:

Abstract: In the current work, we are interested in understanding how potential allies decide whether and how to act in response to witnessing an act of prejudice or discrimination in their organization, or in other words, when given a latent ally opportunity. We build on the voice literature to understand how different frames of reference—that is, who they are thinking about - influence whether and how potential allies choose to speak up. We suggest that one’s frame of reference shifts the voice calculus during latent ally opportunities by re-orienting people away from themselves and their own fears/inhibitions and motivates people toward engaging in the ally behavior (i.e., speaking up).

Track: DEI

Keywords: Allyship; Reducing Prejudice; Voice