Discrimination in the hiring process – state of the art and implications for policymakers

Bibliographic Data

ID6058876
AuthorsCinzia Calluso (0000-0001-6693-0786, Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli), Maria Giovanna Devetag (0000-0003-0243-9108, Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli)
Year2024
Volume43
Issue9
Pages103-121
Publication date2024-12-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEqual Opportunities International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/edi-10-2023-0340
OpenAlexW4403601754
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited90

Purpose Despite the increasing heterogeneity of the organizational workforce – as a consequence of major worldwide socioeconomic trends – a considerable number of studies shows how traditionally underrepresented groups still face significant barriers in entering the labor market. Literature has highlighted several grounds for discrimination: ethnicity, age, gender, religion, social status, sexual orientation, etc., and while some of these are extensively investigated (e.g. ethnicity), other fields are still gaining evidence (e.g. social status). Design/methodology/approach In the current paper, we aim at providing a review of current experimental studies aimed at detecting discrimination in hiring and the possible interventions to reduce bias. Then, we offer a point of reflection for policymaking, analyzing whether such issue should be addressed at the level of the individual (i-frame) or rather at a more systemic level (s-frame). Findings The paper provides substantial evidence that discrimination in hiring still exists, despite the never greater pressure for firms’ social sustainability. Further, existing interventions appear to have an overall limited impact in reducing bias. Hence, we suggest that the issue of discrimination in hiring should be tackled at a systemic level, by means of s-frame interventions. Originality/value The paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon by systematizing the existing body of knowledge deriving from empirical research and offering a broad perspective onto policy implications

Political science · Sociology · Computer Science · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Labor market dynamics and wage inequality · Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research

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