American Psychological Association claims merit-based hiring is UNFAIR in new study

daily mail ^

[algore]

Most employers hire individuals based on their qualifications - but a new study has claimed the process may be unfair.

Researchers at the American Psychological Association are now claiming that socioeconomic disparities should be the focus when seeking potential employees.

The team conducted five experiments where participants were given background information about the two types of candidates, revealing those who learned about merit-based hiring perceived it as less fair.

Researchers concluded that merit-based hiring fuels racial inequality as 'members of marginalized racial groups tend to experience socioeconomic disadvantages more often than members of privileged racial groups.'

The study included examples about two employees who were being considered for a job promotion - both employees attended college, but one was high-performing while the other struggled to show he wasn't able to handle more responsibilities.

The study said the first employees high performance rate was likely because of his wide-ranging extra-curricular activities in college while the second employees poor performance was 'probably a consequence of having less work-related experience' because he didn't do any internships or extra-curricular activities before joining the company.

In this example, participants were asked to gauge if it was fair that the harder working candidate got the job and if the employees had equal opportunity competing for the promotion.

The study found that candidates who received additional information about the lower performing candidates' background perceived a significantly less equality of opportunity than the group that received no background information.

The study comes as some Republican leaders are pushing back against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) at public universities and in state government.

[Jim Noble]

It is unfair - just like life.

[cpdiii]

I recently had a very high risk heart surgery, aortic valve removal and replacement with simultaneous replacement of my ascending aorta. My surgeon was head of teaching cardiac surgery at a very prestigious Texas hospital. His record was excellent. I choose him based on merit. The fact he came from India was totally irrelevant. He was the best in that teaching hospital. That is how it is supposed to work. I choose wisely.

[Elsie]

And this makes sense to way TOO many people!