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Workplace objectification: A review, synthesis, and research agenda
,
Barbara Wisse,
Robert G. Lord
Human Resource Management Review, Volume: 35, Issue: 4, Start page: 101104
Swansea University Author:
Bibi Zhang
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© 2025 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.hrmr.2025.101104
Abstract
Objectification – treating human beings as instrumental tools deprived of agency and experience – is inherent in many organizational practices, as employers hope that it may further their interest in profit-making. However, workplace objectification undermines target employees' interests and we...
| Published in: | Human Resource Management Review |
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| ISSN: | 1053-4822 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2025
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70028 |
| Abstract: |
Objectification – treating human beings as instrumental tools deprived of agency and experience – is inherent in many organizational practices, as employers hope that it may further their interest in profit-making. However, workplace objectification undermines target employees' interests and well-being. This systematic review seeks to address this conflict by discussing relevant theories and empirical studies on workplace objectification. Based on an analysis of 78 studies, this review summarizes and integrates what is known about antecedents and consequences of workplace objectification from three different perspectives: Objectifying others, self-objectification, and experiencing objectification. This review shows that people objectify others to achieve performance and extrinsic goals or to reduce subjectivity uncertainty, while thwarting the objectified targets' fundamental control, belonging, and self-esteem needs. We provide a comprehensive framework that integrates the extant literature on workplace objectification and offer theoretical and methodological recommendations. We conclude by discussing how juxtaposing conflicting elements in workplace objectification can help create a more virtuous cycle. |
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| Keywords: |
Extrinsic goals; Objectification; Performance; Psychological needs; Well-being |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Funders: |
Swansea University |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Start Page: |
101104 |