Title: Perceptions of analytics skills and the interaction of gender and race
Author(s) : Meet Patel, Kristin Sotak, Steven Abraham
Role congruity theory posits that prejudice arises when there is a mismatch between the roles typically associated with a certain group (e.g., gender, race) and the expectations associated with particular roles. This leads to discrimination against individuals who deviate from these expected roles. Given that quantitative skills are generally associated with males, how will females who have resumes listing data analytics be viewed when they are compared to males with resumes listing the same skills? And since these same skills are typically associated with Asians as compared to Caucasians or African Americans, how will Asians who have resumes listing data analytics skills be viewed compared to Caucasians and African Americans with resumes listing those same skills? To explore these questions, we conducted two experimental studies examining perceptions of competence, employability, and likeability based on applicants’ gender and race. Our findings offer insight into how stereotypes influence evaluations in analytically focused roles.