DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/YGPY-3V23
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Business
First Advisor
Jose Cortina
Second Advisor
Andra Serban
Third Advisor
Alexander McKay
Fourth Advisor
Eden King
Abstract
Perceptions of clothing can be distinctive, varying across individuals, situations, cultures, and time. Evidence from daily life and from existing literature across disciplines, although disparate, all point to the importance of clothing in the workplace. In this dissertation, I first review existing literature and identify three universal and distinctive clothing characteristics at work - formality, provocativeness, and fashionability - as well two other categories - uniforms and religiosity of clothing - which are tied to particular social groups. Drawing on attribution theory and the stereotype content model, I provide a cohesive conceptual framework in which clothing characteristics influence observers’ perceptions of wearer’s competence and warmth through observers’ dispositional attribution processes. These perceptions, in turn, influence performance appraisals and supportiveness directed at wearers. I conducted an experimental vignette study to test this conceptual model. The results of this dissertation study suggested some interactive effects. For example, some differential effects of clothing provocativeness were observed for male versus female wearers. The mediation model analyses suggested that perceived competence can be the mediator of the effects of provocative clothing on both performance evaluation and workplace supportiveness for female wearers. Additionally, moderation analyses indicated that the effect of fashionable clothing on warmth perceptions of a wearer in the workplace was influenced by observers' clothing sensitivity. I conclude by offering suggestions for future research and implications for employees and employers with regard to managing clothing practices and avoiding potential biases.
Rights
© Yingyi Chang
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-9-2023