Employers’ Perceptions of Persons with Disabilities: Evidence of Gender Differences

Objective – Employers' perceptions towards persons with disabilities (PWDs) are crucial such that they can directly influence intention to hire disabled workers. The aim of the current study was to examine whether employers perceive women with disabilities and men with disabilities differently with respect to disability type and on several employment-related concerns. Methodology/Technique – Data were obtained from a sample of 201 employers in East Malaysia via a survey questionnaire. Findings – The findings suggest that employers' perceptions were influenced by disability type as well as were gender-specific on matters relating to absenteeism, work quality and supervision but not loyalty and business costs. Interestingly, employers were found to express more favorable perceptions towards women with disabilities than men with disabilities. In terms of disability type, men with physical disabilities and women with auditory/communication disability were perceived the most favorably. Novelty – Demonstrate the originality/value of the research which makes it different from prior studies. Type of Paper: Empirical