Work

Social desirability bias in attitudes towards sexism and DEI policies in the workplace

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Do workers speak their mind about sexism and about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the workplace? We measure social desirability bias regarding sexism and DEI policies using a list experiment survey among workers from five male-dominated industries in France and in the US. In both countries and, remarkably, among both men and women, we document substantial social desirability bias. Managers exhibit a larger bias than non-managerial employees. This difference between voiced and real attitudes may make organizations overestimate support for DEI policies in their workforce, rendering such policies less effective.

Source: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.07.010

Authors: Anne Boring, Josse Delfgaauw

Institutions: Tinbergen Institute, Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Language: English

Topic: Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,770