Employee resource groups: member experiences and the role of allies

Abstract

Purpose

The popularity of employee resource groups (ERGs) has grown, yet there has been limited critical examination of the outcomes of membership individuals. This paper aims to better understand ERG member experiences and the role and impact of allies, or members who do not share the identity around which the group is centered.

Design/methodology/approach

Two survey studies collected data from ERG members and non-members to uncover individual membership outcomes.

Findings

Our findings reveal that ERG members report greater career satisfaction yet also experience higher levels of emotional loneliness compared to non-members. Additionally, the presence of allies in ERGs has a complex impact, offering both positive and negative effects on the experiences of focal group members.

Practical implications

Our findings provide a more expansive view on employee experiences related to ERG membership and suggest decisions to allow or require openness of ERGs to everyone should be undertaken with caution. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the diversity management literature by exploring individual outcomes of ERGs, a popular type of organizational diversity practice.

Citation

Beaver, G. and Zellmer-Bruhn, M. (2025), "Employee resource groups: member experiences and the role of allies", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-08-2024-0347