Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

EdD Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Richard Blissett, PhD

Committee Member

David Reid, PhD

Committee Member

Alexandra Freidus, PhD

Keywords

Black Men, High School Diplomas, Perception, Biases, Employment, Managers

Abstract

This study explored employers’ perceptions of the hiring process and its implications for Black men without high school diplomas. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and survey tools such as Prolific and Survey Monkey. Between August 2024 and May 2025, 232 applications were approved, with five rejected; 161 were returned and two timed out. Ultimately, 14 participants completed the study. In April 2025, the study was modified through Seton Hall University to recruit more Black participants. Although 22 individuals expressed interest, none completed the interviews. Participants represented diverse backgrounds, with preliminary questions capturing gender, age, race, industry, and hiring experience. Findings revealed common themes across hiring managers, including the presence of personal biases and inconsistencies in how applications are reviewed. While a high school diploma was a key factor for some employers, others emphasized alternative indicators such as extracurricular involvement and certification programs. The study suggests that organizations should implement diverse hiring teams to reduce individual bias and promote more equitable decision-making. Future research should also examine methods for evaluating candidates without personal identifiers, focusing solely on credentials to minimize bias.

Keywords: hiring managers, discrimination, personal bias, soft skills, diversity and inclusion, insider bias, trainability, adaptability, education.

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