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JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

In the Eye of the Beholder: Perceptions of the Centrality of Merit in

Affirmative Action and Its Psychological Implications

Author(s): Michelle C. Haynes

Citation: Michelle C. Haynes, (2012) "In the Eye of the Beholder: Perceptions of the Centrality of Merit in

Affirmative Action and Its Psychological Implications," Journal of Organizational Psychology, Vol. 12, Iss. 2, pp. 20 - 29

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

Affirmative action (AA) remains at the forefront of both public and scholarly discourse. Yet there is little

empirical investigation of individuals’ perceptions of how AA typically operates, particularly with respect

to the centrality of merit in the implementation process. I suggest these perceptions are critical to the

extent that they influence psychological reactions to AA. Results from two survey studies confirmed that

the perceived centrality of merit in typical AA implementations predicted both endorsement of the policy

and the view of beneficiaries’ competence, above and beyond demographic factors. Theoretical and

applied implications are discussed.