JOURNAL OF BUSINESS DIVERSITY


I am not my Hair, or am I? Examining Hair Choices of Black Female Executives



Author(s): Gail Dawson, Katherine Karl

Citation: Gail Dawson, Katherine Karl, (2018) "I am not my Hair, or am I? Examining Hair Choices of Black Female Executives," Journal of Business Diversity, Vol.18, Iss. 2, pp.  46-56

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

Using a social-identity based impression management framework, the authors explored the influence of
Eurocentric preferences on the hairstyle choices of Black female executives. Two studies were conducted examining hairstyle choices. Results suggest that Eurocentric preferences, stereotypes, and bias seem to have a significant influence on the hairstyle choices of Black women working their way up the corporate ladder and less of an influence on Black female entrepreneurs. Implications for practice are provided as well as directions for further research.