# Why Employees With Working-Class Roots Get Their Ideas Heard More Research reveals how humble communication styles influence managers. - **Source:** [Sloan Management Review](https://sloanreview.mit.edu) - **Published:** 2026-08-31 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/588456ed-70b5-47cb-b1ab-5d0c911ac8cf ## Scope of the Research A field study involving 218 employees and 32 managers at a multinational engineering company in India, three behavioral experiments with over 1,000 working adults and students, and interviews with dozens of professionals examined how white-collar employees from working-class backgrounds, termed 'upward transitioners,' present their ideas. ## Differences in Communication Style The study found that 77% of upward transitioners communicated by acknowledging potential gaps, inviting managers' perspectives, and appearing open to revising their stance. In contrast, only 15% of employees from consistently higher-class backgrounds adopted this style. ## Managers' Responses In one experiment, participants took on low- or high-power manager roles. Each listened to an employee deliver either a firm recommendation confidently or an open-ended one humbly. Powerful managers responded far more positively to open-ended pitches. ## Reducing Defensiveness Open communication lowers managers' defensiveness, shifting focus from 'who's right' to 'what works.' This approach fosters a sense of ownership over ideas. Since powerful managers often resist non-self-generated ideas, these dynamics are critical. ## Impact of Social Transition Employees transitioning from working-class to white-collar roles adopt more inclusive communication styles. This highlights the link between social mobility and communication skills, offering insights into how class transitions shape professional interactions. ## Power Dynamics and Idea Acceptance High-power managers, who have the most resources and face the greatest public stakes, are more receptive to open-ended suggestions. This finding provides valuable insights into how power dynamics influence idea acceptance in organizations. ## Practical Implications The study suggests companies should recognize and support diverse communication styles. A humble, open-ended approach can increase idea acceptance, especially with powerful managers. This underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizational culture. ## Conclusions and Recommendations The research proves the positive impact of working-class employees' communication styles on managers. Companies can train employees to adopt this style when pitching ideas. Encouraging managers to embrace diverse communication styles can also foster innovation. ## Sources covering this story - https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/why-employees-with-working-class-roots-are-better-at-getting-their-ideas-heard/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._