Status and Stratification Processes in Organizational Life

Abstract

Although status and stratification processes have been studied extensively at the societal level in the sociology literature, they continue to be neglected in the study of management and organizational life. This review begins by questioning why this neglect has occurred. The authors then focus on the theoretical perspectives and empirical findings related to ascribed and achieved status, their interrelationships, how status hierarchies are established and maintained in organizational settings, and the role of culture in these processes. They conclude with an agenda for future research and implications for management practice.