Exploring the Impact of Applicants’ Gender and Religion on Principals’ Screening Decisions for Assistant Principal Applicants

Abstract

In this experimental study, a national random sample of high school principals (stratified by gender) were asked to evaluate hypothetical applicants whose resumes varied by religion (Jewish, Catholic, nondenominational) and gender (male, female) for employment as assistant principals. Results reveal that male principals rate all applicants higher than female principals and that the gender and religion of applicants failed to negatively or positively affect principals’ evaluations. These results suggest that discrimination based on an applicant’s gender and religion failed to be manifested during the pre-interview stage of the selection process. The paper concludes with a theoretical discussion of the distinction between explicit and implicit prejudice, and encourages future researchers to investigate the potential impact of prejudice on employment selection decisions and to consider whether schools should promote diversity in leadership positions.

Principals' Reported Practices in their Hiring Process of Teachers: An Exploratory Study in Lebanese Private Schools

“…One could consider this situation as possibly alarming since favoring certain religious values over others could eventually affect the hiring decisions and other administrative affairs in the Lebanese schools. According to Bon (2009), not only is the hiring decision highly affected by the institution's creed, but the candidates applying for an educational job are also influenced by the school's religious beliefs when selecting their workplace. The respect for religious beliefs springs from the freedom of religion, and with the increase of religious diversity, tolerance for religious freedom is acquired, especially in the U.S.A.…”

“…The diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities and religion has overwhelmed society. While these make remarkable changes in society, they also impact the composition and culture of schools (Bon 2009). Among the mentioned diversities, religion might be a key element in the hiring decision.…”