This dissertation project will draw upon institutional theory and social movement theory to explain changes in corporations' sexual discrimination and rights policies. The project employs a multi-method approach, blending survey data about Fortune 1000 companies, intensive interviews with human resource directors and gay rights activists, and a small number of case studies. The research will examine the impact of the sociopolitical environment on organizational policy making, the influence of industry and corporate characteristics on such decisions, and the organizational, strategic and cultural factors that were most influential within organizations.
