Moving from Bias to Discrimination: A Study of Perceptions of Homosexuals in the Workplace

Stephen M. Crow
Lillian Y. Fok
Sandra J. Hartman

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DOI: 10.2190/D510-A9WP-6G06-V2FK

Abstract

This research sought to determine whether biases exist against homosexuals with respect to perceptions of hypothetical situations involving sexual harassment. We reasoned a hypothetically drawn sexual harassment scenario may kindle visceral biases against gays and lesbians. This study found no adverse homosexual effects in perceptions related to decision making in arbitration cases resulting from the hypothetical harassment scenarios. While we did find differences in perceptions, these differences were related to rater gender and age rather than to differing perceptions of homosexuals. These findings conflict with the widely held view that biased perceptions of gays and lesbians may lead to adverse judgments in work-related situations.

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