Exploring public sector managers’ attitudes towards people with disabilities

Abstract

Orientation: Managers’ and employers’ negative attitudes towards people with disabilities are a significant obstacle for employing people with disabilities (PWDs).

Research purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to measure the attitudes of public sector managers towards PWDs.

Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study was to explore factors affecting managers’ attitudes towards PWDs.

Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within the quantitative research paradigm by using a cross-sectional survey design. A convenience sampling method was used. The questionnaire measured public sector managers’ attitudes towards PWDs. Descriptive statistics, Cohen’s d, chi-square test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation statistical techniques were used to provide answers to the research questions.

Main findings: The results revealed that managers had positive attitudes towards PWDs. The main attitudinal problems identified were that different training methods and tools should be used to meet the needs of different disability types. The results showed that PWDs had no unique characteristics, such as dependability, lower absenteeism rates, better cooperation and more loyalty, compared with those without disabilities. Managers also had the perception that PWDs lack communication, technical and social skills.

Practical/Managerial implications: The negative perceptions towards the skills and characteristics of PWDs necessitate remedial interventions and different training methods.

Contribution/value-add: This study has made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge by providing a theoretical-conceptual framework and a reliable measuring instrument to measure public sector managers’ attitudes towards PWDs.