Diversity in the workplace: Hispanic perceptions of the hiring decision

Abstract

Purpose

Given the growing importance of the Hispanic population in the USA, the increasing presence of this minority at all organizational levels, and the possibility that different subcultures would value different traits when hiring, the purpose of this research was to determine if there were culture‐related differences in the importance placed on 26 job applicant attributes by Hispanics and non‐Hispanics who were involved in hiring.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the importance ratings of 26 job selection attributes by Hispanic and non‐Hispanic respondents to determine the hiring criteria that are important to each group, and to see if differences are statistically significant.

Findings

Significant differences in mean rating scores were found in 13 of the 26 criteria. The Hispanic sample attached greater importance to subjective traits, while the non‐Hispanic group had higher ratings for objectively‐assessed traits.

Practical implications

Given organizational efforts to increase diversity and changing demographics in the US workforce, the results of this study should prove useful to individuals and organizations in the private and public sectors. The findings show that Hispanic and non‐Hispanic respondents had significantly different perceptions with regard to the importance of certain hiring criteria and hence, may assess candidates differently because of what they consider important.

Originality/value

These findings should lead to better understanding among US subcultures, help organizations manage cultural diversity, assist academicians in preparing students for business careers, and improve the matching process between hiring organizations and job applicants.

Citation

Peppas, S.C. (2006), "Diversity in the workplace: Hispanic perceptions of the hiring decision", Employee Relations, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 119-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/01425450610639356