# A Curatorial Approach to Identity Management: Costs and Solutions How marginalized groups navigate identity expression at work and potential strategies - **Source:** [Administrative Science Quarterly](https://journals.sagepub.com/home/asq) - **Published:** 2026-04-13 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c2303442-33e1-49c5-892b-fbc2e7febf52 ## Identity Management Challenges Employees from marginalized groups struggle between expressing and suppressing identities at work. This dilemma leads to high turnover in diversity-focused companies. When workers can't fully express themselves, their sense of belonging diminishes significantly. ## The Curatorial Approach Researchers propose a novel curatorial approach to identity management. This model enables strategic presentation of different identity aspects. It offers an alternative to traditional suppression or full expression methods. ## Implementation Costs The curatorial approach involves significant cognitive and emotional costs for employees. Constant identity performance can lead to fatigue. However, long-term costs may be less damaging than full suppression or expression consequences. ## Organizational Responsibility The study emphasizes that identity management shouldn't rest solely on employees. Companies must facilitate this process by creating safe spaces and providing leadership support. ## Diversity and Belonging Effective identity strategies can create genuine belonging beyond diversity metrics. When employees feel comfortable, innovation and productivity increase significantly. ## Future Perspective This research offers crucial insights for global, multicultural companies. The new approach to identity management holds potential for creating more inclusive 21st century workplaces. ## Sources covering this story - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00018392261431827?ai=2b4&mi=ehikzz&af=R — --- _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._