How do multinational companies support LGBT inclusion in restrictive environments? This study introduces the concept of covert allyship, a strategy for tacitly supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion in adversarial contexts. Western multinational enterprises (MNEs) often face challenges in implementing LGBT-supportive policies in countries with restrictive laws and cultural norms. Drawing on a qualitative case study of 12 MNEs operating in Indonesia, the article examines how allyship for LGBT issues is undertaken covertly to navigate tensions between headquarters' public advocacy and subsidiary operations. The findings evaluate barriers to implementing LGBT-supportive policies and mechanisms for covert forms of institutional allyship. This approach provides recommendations for how MNEs can adopt subtle yet effective LGBT-supportive practices in contexts that require sensitivity to local cultures and legislation. By understanding the dynamics of covert allyship, MNEs can better support LGBT inclusion while respecting local contexts.
Published in Human Resource Management, this study aligns with the journal's focus on workplace diversity and inclusion. By examining covert allyship in the context of LGBT policies, the research contributes to HRM strategies for navigating complex cultural and legal landscapes. The findings provide practical guidance for multinational companies seeking to promote LGBT inclusion in challenging environments.