Organizational Context of Ethnic Discrimination. Results from a Cross-National Survey Experiment.

Using a vignette experiment conducted in Germany, Norway, Poland, and Romania, we analyze whether employers discriminate job candidates based on their origin. We focus on how organizational context and recruitment practices shape hiring decisions. The results show that candidates of foreign origin are invited to job interviews less frequently than native candidates with comparable qualifications. At the same time, organizational characteristics and recruitment methods play an important role. Discrimination is lower in companies where the recruitment process is conducted collectively, where clear diversity goals and monitoring systems are in place, where mentoring programs or initiatives supporting foreign employees are implemented, and where opportunities for professional development are offered. The findings suggest that changes in organizational solutions and recruitment practices can help reduce inequalities in recruitment process.