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Influences of Voice and Sexuality on Perceived Competency and Hireability
Location: East Ballroom
Mentor: Dr. Simon Howard
Previous research has shown that gay individuals are often perceived as less competent and hireable than their straight counterparts in most hiring contexts. However, existing studies have not explored how vocal cues associated with sexuality—specifically, combinations of gay- and straight-sounding voices with both perceived gay and straight sexual orientations—affect perceptions of competence and hireability. The present study examined this by having participants evaluate a candidate in a second-round interview. Participants reviewed a candidate’s résumé and then listened to a vocal recording of the candidate’s interview where he spoke with either a gay- or straight-sounding voice before they assessed the candidate across multiple employability domains (e.g., overall candidate evaluations, perceived competence). Contrary to past research, there was no effect of voice or candidate sexual orientation on evaluations. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
