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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
1-1-2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Marcus W. Dickson
Abstract
Previous studies have used differences between ratings of a prototypical successful leader and a prototypical minority to illustrate biases and stereotypes against both women (Schein, 1973) and racial minorities (Chung-Herrera & Lankau, 2005). Fewer studies, however, have examined what is driving these differences. This study used to use Leader Categorization Theory (Lord & Maher, 1991) as a framework through which between-race differences in prototypes were investigated. Racial prototypes and a successful leader prototype were rated by Caucasians, Asian-Americans, African-Americans, and Arab-Americans. In somewhat unexpected findings, all racial prototypes were rated as being significantly similar to a global successful leader prototype by all racial rating groups, suggesting that participants viewed all racial groups as significantly "leader-like". More specific findings of between group differences, possible explanations, and implications for these findings are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Biermeier-Hanson, Benjamin John, "Looking like a leader: an investigation into racial biases in leader prototypes" (2012). Wayne State University Theses. 141.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_theses/141