Taboo Topics

Abstract

Studies of organization stigma have become increasing prominent. Yet these studies are not uncontroversial; structural barriers to the study of organization stigma still exist within the profession. We argue for the study of stigma, highlighting its importance. We then explain how structural barriers threaten the study of organization stigma by imposing inappropriate boundaries on scholarly inquiry, and by threatening the validity of the findings derived from such studies. We also outline the sources and consequences of the structural barriers that impose these obstacles. We end by suggesting ways that such studies can be reframed in an effort to overcome or lessen the taboo nature of the stigma studies.