CRIW 2026 Ignite! Grant Announcement
The Centre for Research on Inclusion at Work (CRIW) is pleased to officially announce the recipients of 2026’s CRIW Ignite! research grants. This annual competition is designed to advance workplace inclusion by supporting collaborative research projects that align with the Centre’s mission of producing and sharing scholarship on topics of relevance to equity,diversityand inclusion. This year, our grantsmade up to CAD $30,000 available to fund up to four (4) research projects (maximum value per project $7,500 at the discretion of the adjudication committee).Congratulations to the following recipients!
Beyond Tokenism: Antecedents and Outcomes of Critical Mass of Women on Boards
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Greg J. Sears, Associate Professor, Sprott School of Business, Ӱԭ University
- Co-Investigators: Dr. Tasnuva Chaudhury, Assistant Professor, OrganizationalBehaviourand Human Resource Management, University of Regina; Dr. Shasanka Chalise, Assistant Professor, OrganizationalBehaviourand Human Resource Management, University of Regina;Endravid(Eddy) Mathy, Student, Master of Human Resource Management, University of Regina
This research investigates the transition from tokenism to a critical mass for women on corporate boards. Grounded in Critical Mass Theory, the study explores why the mere presence of one or two women is often insufficient to shift board dynamics. Using a systematic literature review,this studyidentifiesthe factors and outcomes thatfacilitatea “critical mass” of at least three women –the thresholdrequiredto move beyond symbolic inclusion. Our proposed integrative framework will provide practitioners with evidence-based strategies to foster gender diversity and improve governance effectiveness.
A National Survey of Women in Policing
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Kate Dupré, Professor, Department of Psychology, Ӱԭ University
- Co-investigators: Dr. Kirk Luther, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Ӱԭ University; Dr. Angela Dionisi, Associate Professor, Sprott School of Business, Ӱԭ University
This project will conduct a national survey of women police officers and civilian staff in Canada to examine lived experiences in policing and inform organizational transformation toward equity, diversity, and inclusion. This project will produce the first national dataset and explore issues such as 1) policewomen’s perceptions of inclusion within the police service, 2) barriers and facilitators shaping women’s entry into and progression within policing, 3) gender-based mistreatment, organizational responses to such incidents, and women’s experiences reporting misconduct, and 4) work-life balance and the compatibility of policing and caregiving.
NHL Fandom and Attitudes TowardWomen in Leadership
- Principal Investigator:Dr. ShaniPupco,Assistant Professor,Sprott School of Business,Ӱԭ University
- Co-investigators: Dr. Angela Dionisi, Associate Professor, Sprott School of Business, Ӱԭ University; Jake Starr, MSc student, Sprott School of Business, Ӱԭ University
We examine whether exposure tomen’sprofessionalice hockey, particularly the NHL, reinforces hegemonic masculinity,shapingnegative gender role attitudesand attitudes towards women as leaders. Grounded in social learning theory, thisstudy builds on reactions to the controversy around the gold medal-winning U.S men’s hockeyteam andsurrounding sexist behaviour and discourse that followed their victory. Following the establishment of such a link, we hope to expand our research toidentifypotential interventions to reduce bias, mitigate anyuncoverednegative effects of NHL fandom to women’s leadership, and promotemoreequitableperceptionsof womenin leadership roles.