How Employees Who Have Made Upward Social Class Transitions Get Heard in the Workplace

Individuals can move from lower social class origins to higher social class through education and entry into prestigious or well-paying jobs. These individuals, known as upward transitioners, have several strengths. Yet, research suggests that their strengths often go unrecognized in the workplace. We highlight a particular strength that does translate into tangible benefits for upward transitioners. Drawing on theories of social class, cross-cultural adaptation, and power, we propose that upward transitions foster a distinct open-minded communication style in individuals, which we term voice crafting. This style involves acknowledging the fallibility of one’s viewpoints and staying receptive to managerial input when speaking up about work issues. It emerges from upward transitioners’ experiences navigating unfamiliar higher-class cultural contexts, which build humility and a learning orientation. We argue that voice crafting helps upward transitioners get their ideas and concerns implemented, especially when they are engaging with powerful managers who expect interactive conversations. We find support for our theory across survey, experimental, and qualitative interview studies with diverse samples. In the process, we highlight how upward transitioners, because of their inclination to voice craft, are in unique positions to exercise influence within organizations.