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Are We Under the Influence of What We See? The Power of Body Tattoos in a Job Interview

Title:

Are We Under the Influence of What We See? The Power of Body Tattoos in a Job Interview

Guo, Yiyou (2021) Are We Under the Influence of What We See? The Power of Body Tattoos in a Job Interview. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

Abstract

Are we under the influence of what we see? The power of body tattoos in a job interview

Yiyou Guo

Fair treatment of employees is an important ethical question. With the increasing number of tattooed workers in the workplace and on the job market, their work experience and the treatment they receive deserve more attention. To date, however, very few studies have focused on such a niche group of employees. The intention of this study was to offer insights on the experience of tattooed individuals in job interviews. Using an experimental design, this study examined the influence of visible tattoos on hiring decisions and interviewers’ evaluations. Participants (N=233) were recruited online, in China, and they were assigned to one of four experimental conditions: tattoo vs. no tattoo job applicant and entry-level vs. managerial positions. The results show that applicants with visible tattoos had decreased chances of being hired. Interviewers in the study were also more likely to perceive the virtual job candidate with tattoos as less competent, especially when hiring at the management-level position. These results serve to raise awareness around biases and stereotypes experienced by tattooed individuals seeking employment.

Divisions:Concordia University > John Molson School of Business > Management
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Guo, Yiyou
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A. Sc.
Program:Management
Date:25 September 2021
Thesis Supervisor(s):Boies, Kathleen
Keywords:Tattoos, visible tattoos, interviews, decision-making, stereotype, bias
ID Code:989005
Deposited By: Yiyou Guo
Deposited On:29 Nov 2021 16:49
Last Modified:29 Nov 2021 16:49

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