An Empirical Examination of Inter-Ethnic Stereotypes: Comparing Asian American and African American Employees

• Published in: Public personnel management 2003-06, Vol.32 (2), p.251-266
• Main Authors: Gilbert, Jackie, Carr-Ruffino, Norma, Ivancevich, John M., Lownes-Jackson, Millicent
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Affirmative action; African Americans; Asian Americans; Asian people; Behavior; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Black people; Candidates; College students; Company business management; Comparative analysis; Comparative studies; Employed Women; Employee attitudes; Employee promotions; Employees; Employment; Ethnic Stereotypes; Females; Gender; Human resource management; Human resources; Hypotheses; Impact analysis; Job Performance; Labor force; Labor Force Nonparticipants; Males; Management; Minority & ethnic groups; Qualifications; Race relations; Racial Attitudes; Racial Relations; Racism; Role Theory; Sex Role; Stereotypes; Student Diversity; Undergraduate Students; Women; Work Experience
• ISSN: 0091-0260; 1945-7421
• DOI: 10.1177/009102600303200205

This paper examines stereotypes that individuals hold about Asian-American and African-American men and women. To explore the impact of stereotyping on jobs and promotions, our study is placed in the context of work situations and employment roles. Findings in a diverse student population of 127 undergraduate students at a West Coast university showed that of the four groups, African-American men were viewed most negatively. Specifically, they were seen as less competent and less polite than employees in any of the other three groups, and less serious about work than African-American women and Asian-American men. Results are discussed with regard to stereotype intervention and communications training necessary to coalesce efforts of diverse individuals.