Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Feb 2024 Open Access

Accent Bias Training in Undergraduate Human Resource Management Education

Mary Grantham O’Brien University of Calgary ; Thao-Nguyen Nina Le Concordia University ; Anamaria Bodea Concordia University ; Pavel Trofimovich Concordia University ; Masako Shimada University of Calgary

Abstract

Accent bias, a type of linguistic bias that is based on a speaker’s pronunciation, is a source of partiality in hiring and retention decisions. This study sought to understand perspectives on linguistic diversity and accent bias among university instructors and students in undergraduate human resource management programs. Results point to a lack of coverage alongside stereotypical views about accents and accent bias among instructors and a desire for accent bias training among all participants. The discussion addresses misconceptions that arose, argues for greater focus on accent bias in business communication, and provides guidance for the development of accent bias training.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2024-02-09
DOI
10.1177/23294906231226212
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Topics
professional writing translingualism race and writing
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