My program of research falls into two related streams through which I examine how people’s interpretations of organizational expectations influence the choices they make—and how bridging the gap between perception and reality can remove hidden barriers to equity.
1) Navigating Identity in High-Stakes Organizational Contexts
In this stream of research, I examine how individuals—especially those with marginalized identities—navigate disclosure, self-presentation, and voice in moments where the stakes are high. I show how even well-intentioned systems can create hidden pressures that shape how people choose to be seen.
He, J. C., Agarwal, G., & Kang, S. K. Performing Diversity: How Applicants Navigate Self-Presentation Tensions in Diversity Statements. Accepted (in-press) at Academy of Management Discoveries.
Agarwal, G., He, J., & Kang, S. K. Naming and Framing of Racial Labels: Identity Management During Racial Disclosure. Manuscript in preparation for submission.
Agarwal, G., Kang, S., & DeCelles, K. Passive Penalty: Gender, Voice, and Accountability in Workplace Complaints. Data collection in progress. Target: Academy of Management Journal
2) How Beliefs and Narratives About Institutional Processes Shape Behavior
In this stream of research, I investigate how people form (and act on) beliefs about how institutions work, and what happens when those beliefs/narratives are wrong. I reveal how misperceptions can limit participation and access, and identify ways to create systems that are more transparent and equitable.
Agarwal, G., Newman, G., & Ruttan, R. Seeking Creative Explorers: How Dispelling Genius Myths Enhances Organizational Recruiting. Manuscript in preparation for submission to Administrative Science Quarterly.
Agarwal, G., Kovacheff, C., Ruttan, R., Adams, G., & DeCelles, K. How Severity Shapes Reporting Decisions and Institutional Action in Women’s Discrimination Claims. Manuscript in preparation for submission to Journal of Applied Psychology.
Galinsky, A. D.*, Turek, A.*, Agarwal, G., Anicich, E. M., Rucker, D. D., Bowles, H. R., Liberman, N., Levin, C., & Magee, J. C. (2024). Are Many Sex/Gender Differences Really Power Differences?. PNAS Nexus, 3(2). [LINK]
He, J.C., Agarwal, G., & Kang, S. K. (2022). Applying Behavioral Insights to Cultivate Diversity and Inclusion. In D. Soman & N. Mazar (Eds.), Behavioral Science in the Wild. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.
Agarwal, G., & Kang, S. Choosing vs Rejecting Minority Applicants in Hiring. Initial data collection.
Grusha Agarwal 