Date Thesis Awarded

5-2020

Access Type

Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only

Degree Name

Bachelors of Arts (BA)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Xiaowen Xu

Committee Members

Jaclyn Moloney

Inga Carboni

Abstract

The present research aimed to understand the impact of personality on diversity attitudes in the workplace. Specifically, we explored the relationships between the personality traits of Openness to Experience and Agreeableness and general attitudes towards diversity (Study 1), as well as receptivity to diversity initiatives in the workplace (Study 2). In Study 1, after controlling for relevant demographic variables, we found that Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation and pro-diversity belief, but not sensitivity to diversity. Agreeableness positively predicted all three diversity measures. In Study 2, after controlling for relevant demographic variables, Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation, as well as existing support of workplace initiatives, but did not predict potential support of workplace initiatives. We also found that Agreeableness positively predicted universal diverse orientation, as well as both types of support for diversity initiatives. Finally, in both studies, donation to diversity-supporting organizations was unrelated to either Openness to Experience or Agreeableness, but was correlated with some of the diversity measures.

Keywords: Big Five; Openness to Experience; Agreeableness; diversity attitudes; diversity initiatives; diversity and inclusion.

Recommended Citation

Lall-Trail, Sana, "Impact on Personality on Attitudes towards Diversity and Diversity Initiatives" (2020). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1540.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1540