Research
Research
Across individual and organizational levels, I study how seemingly neutral or positive identity signals can paradoxically reproduce inequality, and identify the signals that better promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
In this research stream, I investigate how identity signals that appear positive or empowering can paradoxically reinforce social hierarchies and perpetuate workplace inequality. My work in this area examines 1) implicitly conferred signals, such as positive stereotypes; 2) explicitly managed signals, such as identity management strategies.
Example work:
Cheng, G. D. & Ryu, J. Silent Struggles: Asian Employees Experience More Exploitation at Work. R&R at Organization Science.
Cheng, G. D., He, J. C., & Kirgios, E. L. Not for me: People are less willing to help Asians who explicitly state their identity. In preparation for submission to Academy of Management Journal.
Cheng, G. D., Whitson, J., & Wang, C. S. (2025). I am, I am not: Strategies to cope with negative group labels. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 120, 104790.
In this research stream, I investigate how strategic or well-meaning organizational DEI signals can backfire by sustaining inequality and undermining trust, and identify which signals more effectively build credibility. My work in this area examines organizational communications about diversity, responses to discrimination allegations, and decisions regarding diversity initiatives amid political pressures.
Example work:
Cheng, G. D., Does, Serena R., Gündemir, S., & Shih, M. (2024). How Organizational Responses to Sexual Harassment Claims Shape Public Perception. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 46(3), 169-186.
Cheng, G. D., Shih, M., & Dong, Q. Concrete versus Abstract Diversity Goals Enhance Organizational Image. In preparation for submission to Journal of Organizational Behavior.
Beyond my core research streams, I bridge individual and organizational levels to investigate more broadly how individual belief systems shape the interpretation of institutional signals, particularly those related to social responsibility and collective well-being
Example work:
Cheng, G. D., Does, S. R., & Shih, M. (2024). Partisan differences in perceived levels of democracy across presidential administrations. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications [Nature Portfolio], 11(1), 1-10.
Wang, C. S., Deng, Y., Cheng, G. D., Whitson, J. A., Dow, B., & Lee, A. (2025). Conspiratorial beliefs and vaccine acceptance in the era of COVID-19: Understanding the roles of political identification and interdependent self-construal. British Journal of Social Psychology.