Transformational leadership and cultural minorities: a conceptual model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how diversity of cultural minority newcomers and transformational leadership affect the socialization process of cultural minorities in organizations. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model is developed based on diversity theory and past research studies. Findings The authors highlight the roles of transformational leadership and diversity mindsets in facilitating their socialization process. Research limitations/implications Using quantitative studies, future research should attempt to test the propositions presented in this paper by conducting employee-level studies. Practical implications The focus of diversity training needs to be changed from preventing unfairness and discrimination to viewing diversity as an important informational resource. Leaders of cultural minority newcomers should be trained to lead in a more transformational manner. Originality/value Scholars suggest that research on cultural minorities is lacking and their integration in organizations is examined less extensively. In this paper, the authors fill this gap and present a conceptual model examining the socialization process of cultural minorities.