The differential impact of formal and interpersonal discrimination on job performance

Abstract

Previous research has examined a number constructs that are associated with the experience of discrimination; however, previous studies are limited in three ways. First, most research has focused on determining the attitudinal outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions) associated with perceptions of discrimination. Second, previous research examines discrimination primarily as an outcome and not a predictor. Third, previous research has neglected to examine discrimination during an ongoing social interaction. This dissertation corrects for these limitations and extends previous research by examining the impact of formal and interpersonal discrimination (either in isolation or combined) on performance. Results reveal a number of attitudinal as well as behavioral outcomes resulting from discrimination. Specifically, the experience of interpersonal and combined (simultaneously experiencing both interpersonal and formal discrimination) discrimination resulted in impaired performance. In addition, experiencing any type of discrimination (interpersonal, formal, or combined) reduced intentions to engage in future acts of helping behavior, positive perceptions of the assessor, perceptions of interactional justice, and independent coders' perceptions of participant effort on task. A number of theoretical and practical implications are discussed.