We build on prior literature highlighting the underlying processes targeted individuals undergo while experiencing stereotype threat (Schmader & Beilock, 2012) by testing how this can apply to the organizational setting. Specifically, we conceptualize and operationalize stereotype threat at work (STW) – a situational dilemma that involves difficulty with regulating one’s thoughts and emotions related to engaging in a given task or workplace social interaction when at risk of confirming a negative stereotype associated with one’s social group. Across 5 studies, we begin to create and validate a psychometrically reliable scale that captures two dimensions of STW – emotional and cognitive. Specifically, Study 1 (N = 15) utilized qualitative interviews to establish dimension definitions; Studies 2 and 3 (N = 15; 50) consisted of item generation; Study 4 (N = 50) involved item refinement; while Study 5 (N = 22) evaluated content validity. Additional studies furthering the developmental and validation process are ongoing and will be ready for presentation by the AOM Annual Meeting.
