Researchers from Michigan State University have found that unattractive workers are more likely to be bullied at work.
Being "ugly" or unattractive has always been considered a disadvantage in the glamorous world as well as where romantic relationships are concerned. In the first study of its kind, researchers from Michigan State University have found that being unattractive can also prove to be a disadvantage at work.
Unattractive workers are more likely to be bullied and suffer more at work, stated the researchers in a news release. Previous studies have confirmed that being attractive certainly makes students more popular in schools and colleges; this is the first study that links unattractiveness to cruelty and bullying at work places.
"Frankly, it's an ugly finding," said Brent Scott, associate professor of management and lead investigator on the study. "Although we like to think we're professional and mature in the workplace, it can be just like high school in many ways."
The study was conducted on 114 workers in a health care facility in the south-eastern United States. All participants were asked how often they were subjected to cruel behavior from their colleagues including saying hurtful things, making fun and acting rudely. Researchers found that unattractive workers were treated much more harshly than attractive employees, irrespective of their gender, age or how long they worked in the organization.
Information about how agreeable and friendly the workers were was also collected by handing out questionnaires to their spouses, partners or good friends. Researchers found similar to unattractive workers, disagreeable workers were also treated more cruelly than friendly workers.
"Our findings revealed that both personality and appearance matter," Scott said.
He concluded by saying that the findings of the study could help managers foresee potential targets for harsh behaviors and implement methods to prevent such unfortunate instances.
The findings of the study are published in an online journal Human Performance.
