The Effect of Stereotypes on Perceived Competence of Indigenous Software Practitioners: A Professional Photo

Context: Potential employers can readily find job candidates' photos through various online sources such as former employers' websites or professional and social networks. The alignment or 'fit' between a candidate and an organization is inferred in online photos through dress style and presentations of self. On the other hand, for candidates from under-represented groups like Indigenous people traditional clothing is an important and lively aspect that allows them to express belonging, enter ceremony, and show resistance.Objective: This exploratory study aims to empirically demonstrate whether traditional clothing in a picture affects the evaluation of candidates' competence for a position like a software developer in which clothing should not be crucial. Method: We plan a quasi-experimental design with both candidates (photo models) and participants (evaluators) from IT companies. It follows a 2 x 2 x 2 design with dress style (traditional / non-traditional clothing), gender and race/ethnicity of the candidates as within-subjects factors. In addition, we will explore the evaluator's gender and experience in hiring as between-subjects factors.