The Effect of Stereotypes on Perceived Competence of Indigenous Software Practitioners: A Professional Photo

TL;DR

This study investigates how traditional clothing in online photos influences perceptions of Indigenous software candidates' competence, highlighting potential biases in hiring evaluations.

Contribution

It introduces an empirical, quasi-experimental design to examine the impact of traditional attire on perceived competence in tech hiring contexts.

Findings

Traditional clothing may bias competence perceptions.

Perceptions vary based on candidate and evaluator demographics.

The study highlights potential biases in online candidate evaluation.

Abstract

Context: Potential employers can readily find job candidates' photos through various online sources such as former employers' websites or professional and social networks. The alignment or 'fit' between a candidate and an organization is inferred in online photos through dress style and presentations of self. On the other hand, for candidates from under-represented groups like Indigenous people traditional clothing is an important and lively aspect that allows them to express belonging, enter ceremony, and show resistance.Objective: This exploratory study aims to empirically demonstrate whether traditional clothing in a picture affects the evaluation of candidates' competence for a position like a software developer in which clothing should not be crucial. Method: We plan a quasi-experimental design with both candidates (photo models) and participants (evaluators) from IT companies. It follows a 2 x 2 x 2 design with dress style (traditional / non-traditional clothing), gender and race/ethnicity of the candidates as within-subjects factors. In addition, we will explore the evaluator's gender and experience in hiring as between-subjects factors.