From Exclusion to Inclusion: Empowering LGBT Integration with Allies, Workplace Strategies and Family Role Models

The workplace encounters challenge due to the absence of inclusive environments, resulting in potential loss of top-tier talent, diminished productivity and diminished business performance. This research endeavours to construct a comprehensive framework for the integration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals, focusing on embedding gender and sexual minorities. This study examines the relationship between diversity-friendly workplace management and LGBT integration through advocacy by allies (ABA) and family role modelling. The research framework is constructed based on the principles of sociometric, signalling and family systems theory and is undertaken within the Indian IT/ITES sector, involving 546 employees across 9 technology parks through a survey methodology. The analysis was carried out utilizing Smart PLS software, employing structural equation modelling and making predictions using partial least squares. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed. Findings demonstrate that effective management of diversity-friendly workplaces has a favourable impact on the integration of LGBT individuals in work environments. Results also suggest that ABA plays a supporting role in this relationship through complementary mediation, while the influence of family role modelling is moderated. This study contributes substantially to both theoretical understanding and managerial practices. A cross-cultural, longitudinal and a qualitative perspective could have added more insights to the study.