Is being obese a crime? An examination of hiring and workplace discrimination
by Ali Junaid Khan; Ezza Naseem; Jawad Iqbal; Muhammad Akbar Ali Ansari; Muhammad Farooq
Middle East J. of Management (MEJM), Vol. 10, No. 1, 2023

Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to examine the discrimination and biasness that obese people face during and after hiring in the workplace setting. Based on literature, a conceptual framework has been developed that analyses the impact of obesity, explicit biasness, and implicit biasness on hiring discrimination and workplace discrimination. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire on a sample of 95 respondents from the banking sector. A convenient sampling technique was employed and the analysis was done by using structured equation modelling. The results indicated that people who are overweight or obese are less accepted and discriminated against during hiring, and even if they are hired, the views they receive are that they are lazy, lack self-discipline, and incompetent. The stereotypes and negative attitudes towards overweight people have been found at both explicit and implicit levels. The findings of the study have several implications for policymakers in the banking sector, who need to revise recruitment policies, provide equal employment opportunities, and promote a healthy environment in the banks by educating their employees to reduce stereotypes.

Online publication date: Fri, 16-Dec-2022

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