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Talking like a manager: promotion interviews, language and ethnicity

By: Celia Roberts, Sarah Campbell and Yvonne Robinson

This research is a follow-up to the Talk on trial study (DWP Research Report No. 344) which examined the role of language and ethnicity in selection interviews for low-paid jobs. Talking like a manager confirms the earlier finding that there is a 'linguistic penalty' in promotion interviews against those ethnic minority candidates who were born abroad. Despite well-meaning attempts to design objective and fair interviews, the taken-forgranted cultural and linguistic norms of the job interview disadvantage this group. There is a lack of shared understanding about the purpose of the interview and expected responses which leads to frequent misalignments between interviewer and candidate. This can lead to a negative dynamic in which interviewers' modes of questioning serve to reinforce an initial, negative impression.

As well as the focus on the detailed discourse processes of the interview, the research aimed to identify some of the wider organisational cultures and practices which may act as a barrier to promotion. A mixed-method approach was used, including the video recording and analysis of promotion and junior management interviews and research interviews with managers and staff in two case study organisations.

There were many good practices, both informal and formal, that were closing the gap between official statements on equality and diversity and the reality of some persistent disadvantage. However, there are enduring and intangible barriers to ethnic minority groups progressing into management positions. While some of these relate to specific practices, notably the interview itself, others are only overcome if organisations address the more general issues of race equality that affect satisfaction, morale and motivation to seek promotion. Recommendations are given on the need to critique the current status of interviews, on the training of interviewers and the preparation of candidates for the selection process.

July 2008 166 pages 297x210mm

ISBN 978 1 84712 395 4

 

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