Breaking Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Feminist Action Research to Transform Organisational Inequalities—A Case Study of XEAS País Valencià

Abstract

There are multiple approaches to examining 'gender in organisations,' each exhibiting diversity and originating from various fields and ideological frameworks. Mainstream literature on 'gender in organisations' focuses on gender-based differences within the organisation—emphasizing concepts like glass ceilings, sticky floors, and variations in management practices between men and women—to shed light on discriminatory practices against women. However, this perspective, which views organisations as gender-neutral spaces, overlooks concealed mechanisms that perpetuate patriarchal social structures. These mechanisms not only act as obstacles to equal job opportunities but also create environments marked by inequality, discrimination, and violence, mirroring societal-level issues. To address these shortcomings, the article adopts an approach from Feminist Action Research methods, highlighting its ability to challenge power dynamics and facilitate inclusive decision making processes, revealing its influence on transformation at organisational, personal, and social levels. To illustrate the benefits from Feminist Action Research, this article explains the research process conducted at Alternative and Solidarity Economy Network of the Valencian Country (XEAS País Valencià, using its Valencian acronym) over 14 months. During this period a feminist organisational change process was implemented to reflect upon and transition towards a more liveable organisation. Various qualitative techniques, such as semi-structured interviews, participatory workshops, participant observation, and document review, were combined to conduct this study. The lessons learned from this study can inspire future similar studies in the Management field, with an aspiration to address gender
discrimination issues more in-depth.