Employee Activism, Then and Now

Abstract

We review research on employee activism, with particular attention to developments over the past decade, and identify avenues for future research that reflect the evolving nature of the phenomenon. We first define employee activism and distinguish it from related forms of employee behavior. We then identify three themes in the evolution of research on employee activism: an expansion from organizational-change goals to also include society-oriented goals, from persuasive tactics to also include disruptive tactics, and from in-person mobilization to also include activism through online digital platforms. We next synthesize research on five central features of employee activism—participants, goals, contexts, behaviors, and outcomes—drawing on scholarship across social movement sociology, organizational theory, organizational behavior, and strategic management. We conclude by identifying opportunities for research that better captures contemporary forms of employee activism and advances understanding of its consequences for employees, organizations, and society.