An Empirical Examination of Inter-Ethnic Stereotypes: Comparing Asian American and African American Employees

Abstract

This paper examines stereotypes that individuals hold about Asian-American and African-American men and women. To explore the impact of stereotyping on jobs and promotions, our study is placed in the context of work situations and employment roles. Findings in a diverse student population of 127 undergraduate students at a West Coast university showed that of the four groups, African-American men were viewed most negatively. Specifically, they were seen as less competent and less polite than employees in any of the other three groups, and less serious about work than African-American women and Asian-American men. Results are discussed with regard to stereotype intervention and communications training necessary to coalesce efforts of diverse individuals.