JOURNAL OF BUSINESS DIVERSITY


Effects of Leader Race and Leader Mistake on Patronizing Behaviors



Author(s): Sarah Singletary Walker, Juan M. Madera, Michelle R. Hebl

Citation: Sarah Singletary Walker, Juan M. Madera, Michelle R. Hebl, (2013) "Effects of Leader Race and Leader Mistake on Patronizing Behaviors," Journal of Business Diversity, Vol. 13, Iss. 1/2, pp. 52 - 64

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

This study examined the extent to which perceptions of leadership vary as a function of leader race.
Using experimental methods, results suggest that Black managers experience patronizing discrimination
that consists of differential allocation of limited, but not unlimited resources. Specifically results revealed
that under conditions of mistakes, evaluations of the leadership capability for Black and White managers
are similar, however, salary differences emerged. More specifically, participants assigned lower salaries
to Black managers when mistakes were made. We discuss implications of these findings and directions for
future research.