When Attractiveness Meets Stereotypes— Variables Influencing Perceptions of People’s Ethos and Credibility in the Workforce

The study predicted that perceived physical appearance (high or low attractiveness) and job stereotyping (matched or not matched) would interact to affect perceived credibility, such that attractiveness and matched job stereotyped individuals would be perceived as credible, whereas unattractive and unmatched job stereotyped individuals would not be perceived as credible. A total of 118 participants were exposed to one of four photographs of the same woman in which her attractiveness and appearance to match a job stereotype were manipulated. Participants then completed a series of items to measure perceived credibility (competence, goodwill, and trustworthiness). Results did not support the predicted hypothesis. However, results found a main effect for attractiveness and job stereotyping on perceived competence. Physical appearance plays an important role in society. For example, people’s perception of others’ competence, ethos (McCroskey and Young 1981), and goodwill (McCroskey and Teven 1999) is influenced by the attractiveness of others. The phenomenon of using attractiveness as an estimate of another’s abilities is especially true in the workforce, where it has been found to be an important predictor of perceived professionalism and the ability to complete work-related tasks (Dion, Berscheid, and Walster 1972). Scholars and researchers, predominantly in the field of social psychology, have explored how physical appearance affects the perception and perhaps even the decision-making process of managers, supervisors, and subordinates in employment settings (Goodwin, Gubin, Fiske, and Yzerbyt 2000). Two of the most important factors influencing people’s perception of the capability of others in the workforce are individuals’ physical attractiveness and the extent to which they appear to belong to a group associated with stereotypes of professions in question.