Challenging organizational research theory and findings: A commentary on the neglected focus on vulnerable workers

In this commentary, we argue that studying vulnerable workers can challenge the established norms of organizational research, which mostly focuses on non-vulnerable employees. We highlight the significant differences in the experiences of vulnerable workers, which profoundly impact their professional lives, and often defy current organizational theories and research findings. Additionally, we explore how traditional beliefs in recruitment and selection, career development, organizational support, and identity management research may not apply well to vulnerable workers due to their unique challenges. We strongly advocate for a shift in the fundamental assumptions and paradigms of organizational scholarship to better accommodate and accurately represent the perspectives of this often-overlooked workforce. •We emphasize the persistent challenge of workplace inequality, highlighting the realities faced by vulnerable workers.•We challenge “known truths”, or established research findings in organizational scholarship.•The traditional assumptions in organizational scholarship may not apply to vulnerable workers.