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Workplace objectification: A review, synthesis, and research agenda

Bibi Zhang et al.

Human Resource Management Review2025https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2025.101104article
AJG 3ABDC A
Weight
0.52

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. • People objectify others to achieve performance and extrinsic goals. • People objectify others to reduce subjectivity uncertainty. • Objectification thwarts one's fundamental control, belonging, and self-esteem needs. • Juxtaposing conflicting elements in objectification helps create a virtuous cycle.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2025.101104

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@article{bibi2025,
  title        = {{Workplace objectification: A review, synthesis, and research agenda}},
  author       = {Bibi Zhang et al.},
  journal      = {Human Resource Management Review},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2025.101104},
}

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Workplace objectification: A review, synthesis, and research agenda

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Evidence weight

0.52

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.47 × 0.4 = 0.19
M · momentum0.68 × 0.15 = 0.10
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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