NEST
Neurodevelopmental Employment and Sensemaking for Transformation
Description

The NEST project investigates how neurodivergent workers act as "sentinels" within organizational environments, detecting early signs of risk and structural dysfunctions. The study draws on Critical Management Studies (CMS) and Sensemaking Theory (Weick, 1995) and adopts a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with managers and employees, complemented by socio-demographic and organizational data collection. The project aims to submit an international scientific article, develop an inclusion toolkit, and prepare future national and international funding applications.

Challenge

Despite the growing emphasis on diversity policies, the full integration of neurodivergent workers remains challenging. The project addresses the contradictions between inclusive narratives and real practices, exploring how early warning signs are either ignored or incorporated into organizational responses.

Approach

Qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews with managers and neurodivergent employees across multiple companies. Collection of socio-demographic and organizational data, thematic analysis with dual coding and inter-rater reliability (Cohen's ?≥0.70). Integrates Critical Management Studies and Sensemaking Theory to develop a conceptual model of the "canary effect".

Academic Research Impact

 Integrates Critical Management Studies and Sensemaking Theory, contributing to a novel theoretical model on neurodiversity and organizational innovation. Expected outputs include an article in an international indexed journal and foundations for future national and international projects.

 

 

Economic and Societal Impact

 Provides practical recommendations for managers, HR professionals, and policy makers regarding the inclusion of neurodivergent workers. Develops a toolkit to foster inclusive management practices and detect psychosocial risks.

 

 

Internal Partners
Research Centre Research Group Role in Project Begin Date End Date
BRU-Iscte Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Group Partner 2024-07-01 2026-05-31
External Partners

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Project Team
Name Affiliation Role in Project Begin Date End Date
Aristides I. Ferreira Professor Associado (com Agregação) (DRHCO); Integrated Researcher (BRU-Iscte); Principal Researcher 2024-07-01 2026-05-31
Project Fundings

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Publication Outputs

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Related Research Data Records

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Related References in the Media

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Other Outputs

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Project Files

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Neurodevelopmental Employment and Sensemaking for Transformation
2024-07-01
2026-05-31