ORCID

0000-0001-8645-7906

Keywords

videoconferencing, virtual backgrounds, hiring, workplace selection, virtual interviews

Abstract

Videoconferencing allows users to manage their self-presentation through virtual backgrounds that mask their immediate physical environment. Prior research suggests that backgrounds depicting professional home spaces (e.g., bookshelves) elicit more favorable impressions than those that depict personal home spaces (e.g., bedrooms). Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) provides a framework for understanding such effects. The present dissertation applied EVT to video-mediated selection interviews, that have become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the strict expectations for professionalism in interviews, virtual backgrounds that deviate from such expectations may negatively impact hiring decisions. Consequently, this work examined the impact of two virtual background types, bedroom and home office, on perceptions of job candidates. It also evaluated the moderating role of candidate qualifications, candidate gender, and participant gender. Study 1 established virtual background stimuli that were comparable on measures of prototypicality, environmental attributes (e.g., colorfulness and cleanliness), and memorability. Study 2 had participants view images of qualified or unqualified candidates using the bedroom or home office backgrounds and evaluate the candidate’s perceived competence, warmth, recommended salary, and hiring likelihood. Results indicated that while qualifications were the primary driver of candidate evaluations, the bedroom background negatively impacted unqualified candidates. Effects also varied by participant gender. Analysis revealed that the negative impact of the bedroom background on hiring outcomes was mediated by both warmth and competence, although through different mechanisms. This research advances understanding of expectancy violations in virtual environments and the role of virtual backgrounds on hiring perceptions. It also provides practical guidance for job seekers in selecting effective virtual backgrounds.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Hancock, Peter

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Identifier

DP0029311

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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