Date of Award

Summer 8-2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Strategic Communication

Department

Communication and the Arts

Advisor

Dennis Mahon, Ph.D

Committee Member

Patricia Kuchon, Ph.D

Keywords

Bias, Recruitment, Hiring, Race, Human Resources

Abstract

Immediate decisions are required in various situations. Judgements are made based on a variety of influences without even realizing it has occurred. Decisions are made within split seconds, and the outcomes are often a result of biases held.

Biases can be positive or negative; they are attitudes or stereotypes that are taught during an early age in life and reinforced over time. It is important to realize how these biases impact decision making and negative judgements placed on others.

Bias begins around the time one has the ability to understand and speak words -- generally at three years old. At this time, many begin to develop biases and various ways to engage with the world. If made aware of biases, one would benefit from a type of cognitive correction to hold more controlled and unbiased behaviors (Davis, 2015).

Biases can impact every decision made, but it is important for hiring managers and recruiters to be cognizant of potential biases in an effort to reduce negative influences on hiring decisions. The purpose of this thesis is to address common misconceptions associated with recruiting processes during the resume review period. Information will be provided through various research methods that will include surveys, interviews, data analysis, and other reference materials. To analyze statistics drawn from surveys, tables and charts will be provided to substantiate information gathered.

At the conclusion of this project, suggested advice will be provided to the reader to draw awareness of bias behaviors and consideration to the negative impacts such thought processes create.

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