Keywords

Natural hair; Professionalism; Expectancy violation theory; Resume evaluation; Employment perceptions

Abstract

This research examined how black women's natural hair was perceived in a professional setting. Expectancy violation theory (EVT) suggests that people create patterns of communication but that these patterns can be disrupted when a person violates the established expectations. The theory was applied to perceptions of black women's natural hair in a professional setting. An experimental survey was used to assess whether participants viewed natural hair in the workplace as a positive or negative expectancy violation. Participants were asked to view a resume and complete Likert-type scale items to evaluate the resume. The items measured the candidate's professionalism, likeability, attractiveness and expertise. The photograph on the resume was manipulated to ensure consistency. The same black female model was used and only her hairstyle was changed. The credentials and name on the resume also remained the same. The study found no difference between perceptions of natural hair and straight hair.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Miller, Ann

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Department

Communication

Degree Program

Communication; Mass Communication Track

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007985; DP0023264

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023264

Language

English

Release Date

May 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

African American women--Attitudes; Discrimination in employment--Research; Employee selection--Research; Hairstyles--Social aspects; Women--Employment--Research

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