Abstract
Past research has examined reactions to traditional, gender- and ethnicity-based affirmative action programs. However, research has not examined reactions to affirmative action based on socioeconomic status (SES), even though such programs are promoted by the U.S. government (e.g., Work Opportunity Tax Credit) and thus act as a de facto supplement to traditional affirmative action. Based in theories of self-interest, Study 1 compared reactions of men and women to a traditional affirmative action program and a hypothetical, SES-based affirmative action program in terms of general perceptions of such programs and organizational attractiveness. While women had more positive reactions to traditional affirmative action, men had more positive reactions to SES-based affirmative action. Study 2 took a different approach, examining the reactions of potential job applicants to four hypothetical job ads which included different types of diversity statements. We found that job ads that mentioned any type of specific diversity statement - either based on race and gender or based on SES - were perceived as less fair than job ads that did not include specific diversity statements. Results of the studies are discussed in terms of self-interest theories of affirmative action and considerations of SES-based programs as a supplement to traditional affirmative action.
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Appendix
Appendix
Study 2 Job Ad: Value Diversity Condition
Scenario: After you graduate college, you spend some time looking for a job. Recently, you found this opening for which you are qualified at a company that you really want to work for.
Project Coordination Specialist.
We are looking for a positive, confident, and motivated Project Coordination Specialist to join our team.
This job is supervisory in nature and works directly with the Project Management team. You will be acting as a liaison between clients and Project Managers.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A solid working knowledge of various computer applications (email, internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel).
Experience multitasking / working on several projects at once.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Good problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently.
All necessary training is provided by the employer. This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates. We offer many opportunities for growth and promotion for exceptional employees as well as an excellent salary and benefits package.
We value diversity in our workplace.
Study 2 Job Ad: Female and Ethnic Minorities as Beneficiaries Condition
Scenario: After you graduate college, you spend some time looking for a job. Recently, you found this opening for which you are qualified at a company that you really want to work for.
Project Coordination Specialist.
We are looking for a positive, confident, and motivated Project Coordination Specialist to join our team.
This job is supervisory in nature and works directly with the Project Management team. You will be acting as a liaison between clients and Project Managers.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A solid working knowledge of various computer applications (email, internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel).
Experience multitasking / working on several projects at once.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Good problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently.
All necessary training is provided by the employer. This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates. We offer many opportunities for growth and promotion for exceptional employees as well as an excellent salary and benefits package.
We value diversity in our workplace. Women and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
Study 2 Job Ad: Low-SES as Beneficiaries Condition
Scenario: After you graduate college, you spend some time looking for a job. Recently, you found this opening for which you are qualified at a company that you really want to work for.
Project Coordination Specialist.
We are looking for a positive, confident, and motivated Project Coordination Specialist to join our team.
This job is supervisory in nature and works directly with the Project Management team. You will be acting as a liaison between clients and Project Managers.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A solid working knowledge of various computer applications (email, internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel).
Experience multitasking / working on several projects at once.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Good problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently.
All necessary training is provided by the employer. This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates. We offer many opportunities for growth and promotion for exceptional employees as well as an excellent salary and benefits package.
We value diversity in our workplace. People from low-income backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Study 2 Job Ad: Control/No Benficiary Condition
Scenario: After you graduate college, you spend some time looking for a job. Recently, you found this opening for which you are qualified at a company that you really want to work for.
Project Coordination Specialist.
We are looking for a positive, confident, and motivated Project Coordination Specialist to join our team.
This job is supervisory in nature and works directly with the Project Management team. You will be acting as a liaison between clients and Project Managers.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A solid working knowledge of various computer applications (email, internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel).
Experience multitasking / working on several projects at once.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Good problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently.
All necessary training is provided by the employer. This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates. We offer many opportunities for growth and promotion for exceptional employees as well as an excellent salary and benefits package.
Study 2 Reaction Survey
What is your likelihood of applying for this job after reading the listing?
Please check one.
For the following 8 items, please circle the number on the scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) that best fits your agreement with the statement.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Strongly Disagree | Disagree | Neither Agree nor Disagree | Agree | Strongly Agree |
1. The job posting represents good HR policy | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
2. The goals of this job posting are good. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
3. I believe this job posting is fair. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
4. This type of job posting is fair to job applicants. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
5. This job posting will produce a fair outcome. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
6. I would encourage others to apply for jobs at organizations similar to this one based on this job posting. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
7. All other things being equal, I would prefer to work at an organization like this. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
8. Companies like this are good places to work. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Thank you for your participation! Please make sure your name is not anywhere on the form and turn it in.
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Kovacs, J.A., Truxillo, D.M., Bauer, T.N. et al. Perceptions of Affirmative Action Based on Socioeconomic Status: A Comparison with Traditional Affirmative Action. Employ Respons Rights J 26, 35–57 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10672-013-9223-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10672-013-9223-0