Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Series: Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers
Creation-Date: 2024-11-01
Number: 24-002/VII
Author-Name: Anne Boring
Author-Workplace-Name: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Author-Name: Josse Delfgaauw
Author-Workplace-Name: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Title: Social desirability bias in attitudes towards sexism and DEI policies in the workplace
Abstract: Do workers speak their mind about sexism and about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the workplace? We measure social desirability bias regarding sexism and DEI policies using a list experiment survey among workers from five male-dominated industries in France and in the US. In both countries and, remarkably, among both men and women, we document substantial social desirability bias. Managers exhibit a larger bias than non-managerial employees. This difference between voiced and real attitudes may make organizations overestimate support for DEI policies in their workforce, rendering such policies less effective.
Classification-JEL: J16, J71, M14, M5
Keywords: Sexism, Diversity, Social desirability bias, List experiment survey
File-URL: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/24002.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 1.072.411 bytes
Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20240002