| There are proven benefits to workplace diversity, however very little research has focused on individuals with disabilities, more specifically, those with hearing impairment. Stereotypes can have an affect on an organization's perceptions of these individuals' abilities at work. This study is an investigation of the relationship that exists between hearing ability and the likelihood to be hired by presenting 9 candidate resumes and pictures, 2 of which include a visible hearing aid to indicate hearing impairment. Additionally, this study examines whether this relationship is stronger when there is more emphasis on the amount of communication necessary for a position by testing under 3 different position conditions. Based on study results, the candidates with hearing loss were equally likely to hired when compared with the hearing candidates, and they were much more likely to hired in one of the three job positions. While the data did not support the hypothesis that positions requiring higher levels of communication affect the strength of the relationship between hearing ability and job position, it did show a significant effect of hearing ability on the likelihood to hire. With more investigation, this study could have larger implications on the impact of legislation on the hiring decision, in addition to participant views about the abilities of those with hearing impairment as compared to those without. |
