Published Online:July 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Organizational Behavior
Product Type:Article
Product Code:01072026
DOI:10.71329/IUPJOB/2026.25.3.5-28
Author Name:Monica Bougal and Neelam Choudhary
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:5-28
The study explores the lived experiences of differently-abled employees across government and private sectors in Jammu. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and thematic analysis are used in the qualitative study to uncover recurring patterns of exclusion and support. Participants spoke of inaccessible buildings, symbolic accommodations, lack of assistive technologies and transport challenges that restricted their independence. They also described exclusionary attitudes—from employers who “see disability first and skills later” to colleagues who offered sympathy instead of equality—which undermined psychological safety and organizational support. At the same time, supportive supervisors, flexible arrangements, and cooperative peers emerged as powerful enablers of confidence, productivity and belonging. These findings highlight that inclusion is not achieved through infrastructure alone, but also through organizational practices that nurture dignity, fairness and participation. The study contributes to the limited literature on disability and employment in India by situating the barriers within the lens of organizational behavior and offers practical recommendations for employers, HR managers and policymakers to build workplaces where employees with disabilities can experience not just presence, but also genuine inclusion.
Employment is an important part of social and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Having access to decent and secure work not only provides financial independence but also strengthens an individual’s participation and sense of belonging in society.