Research on the work experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people: An integrative review of methodology and findings

The methodology and content of nine published studies on the workplace experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are examined. Findings are integrated within five areas of common content: the pervasiveness of discrimination in the workplace, formal and informal types of discrimination, fear of discrimination, variability of workers in their openness about sexual orientation, and correlates of workers' degree of openness versus concealment of sexual orientation. The methodology employed in existing research is examined focusing specifically on sampling, data collection, and analyses and presentation of results. Recommendations for improving those aspects of methodology in future studies are made. Finally, ideas for expanding the scope of the content and methodology of research concerning the workplace experiences of this population are presented. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.