Accent bias in the workplaceIt's not surprising that employees' accents play a role in determining business travel, said Regina Kim, an assistant professor of management at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business.
An 'accent hierarchy'Leadership specialist and author Ritu Bhasin said there's an "accent hierarchy" in today's globalized world.
Kim agreed, saying studies show that the Standard British English accent has a "covert prestige," with speakers being perceived as more trustworthy, intelligent and attractive.
"For example, having a French accent in a wine industry may be 'better' because there's an industry-accent fit," she said.
Accent bias can be worsened by national stereotypes that listeners associate with the way their colleagues talk, said Kim.
Persons:
they've, Shan, Tracey Derwing, Derwing, Regina Kim, Kim, Ritu Bhasin, it's, Bhasin, Elizabeth Elizabeth, she's, Elizabeth
Organizations:
SAP, CNBC, Employees, New Zealand, University of Alberta, Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business
Locations:
—, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Pacific, New, Indonesia, Vietnam, United States, American, New York, Britain, Canada, East Asia, South Asia, West Asia, China, Europe