A transnational study carried out in both the US and UK has yielded rather interesting results. Apparently, “… handsome men are more likely to be seen as a threat by their bosses…” and therefore less likely to score equally powerful positions.
The study was undertaken by researchers from both University College London’s School of Management and the University of Maryland. Four separate experiments were conducted in four different offices. And while we’re aware that this might not sound like a varied sample size, it’s apparently large enough for the researchers to reach such a grabby-headline conclusion.
Men tasked with hiring other men had a tendency to search for a fault. As the report indicates, their decisions were negatively influenced by the perceived attractiveness of the candidates – particularly if the candidate was deemed “too handsome” relative to the job in question. Shockingly enough, perceived attractiveness of female candidates had the opposite effect.
“Managers are affected by stereotypes and make hiring decisions to serve their own self-interests so [organisations] may not get the most competent candidates,” says Professor Sun Young Lee, lead researcher at the University of Maryland.
“With more companies involving employees in recruitment processes, this important point needs attention. Awareness that hiring is affected by potential work relationships and stereotyping tendencies can help [organisations] improve their selection processes.”
There you have it, fellas. Next time you find yourself staring down the barrel of an e-mail that opens with “Thank you for your application, but unfortunately…”, just chalk it up to your picture perfect mug. And nothing else. If you want to experience further unemployment, check out our most attractive grooming style guide (according to Aussie women).
