The skill paradox: Explaining and reducing employment discrimination against skilled immigrants

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Type
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Publications
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Title
The skill paradox: Explaining and reducing employment discrimination against skilled immigrants
Journal
International Journal of Human Resource Management
Author(s)
Dietz J., Joshi C., Esses V. M., Hamilton L. K., Gabarrot F.
Publication state
Published
Issued date
05/2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
26
Number
10
Pages
1318-1334
Language
english
Abstract
Using a social identity theory approach, we theorized that recruiters might be particularly biased against skilled immigrant applicants. We refer to this phenomenon as a skill paradox, according to which immigrants are more likely to be targets of employment discrimination the more skilled they are. Furthermore, building on the common ingroup identity model, we proposed that this paradox can be resolved through human resource management (HRM) strategies that promote inclusive hiring practices (e.g., by emphasizing fit with a diverse clientele). The results from a laboratory experiment were consistent with our predictions: Local recruiters preferred skilled local applicants over skilled immigrant applicants, but only when these applicants were qualified for a specific job. This bias against qualified and skilled immigrant applicants was attenuated when fit with a diverse clientele was emphasized, but not when fit with a homogeneous clientele was emphasized or when the hiring strategy was not explained. We discuss the implications of our findings for research on employment discrimination against skilled immigrants, including the role of inclusiveness for reducing discriminatory biases.
Keywords
human resource management, HRM strategy, employment discrimination, immigrants, social identity theory, diversity, inclusion, person-organization fit
Web of science
Create date
26/08/2015 13:02
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:00
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