Are Gay Male Leaders Just as Hirable as Straight Male Leaders?

Abstract

This study sought to clarify past research which presents conflicting mechanisms in which discrimination occurs between gay and straight applicants in leadership position. Hypothesis one predicted that negative attitudes towards gay men will result in straight male applicants being chosen for leadership positions more than gay male applicants. Hypothesis two predicted that a gay male applicant applying to the lead nurse position will be more likely to be chosen than the straight male applicant. Hypothesis three predicted that a straight male applicant applying to the accounts manager position will be more likely to be chosen than the gay male applicant. Hypothesis four predicted that gay men will be perceived as less effective in a leadership position and therefore be selected less often than a straight male for the leadership position. Hypothesis five predicted that straight men will be perceived as more effective in a leadership position and therefore will be selected more often than the gay male applicants for the leadership position. None of the hypotheses in the study were supported. Possible reasons for the lack of support are discussed.