Social Dominance Orientation and Prejudice in Organizational Employees: Moderating Role of Empathy

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Prejudice against rural individuals, with Empathy as a moderating factor within organizational settings. The data was collected from 300 participants using cross sectional survey design. The participants were the individuals working in public or private organizations in the urban areas of Pakistan. Social Dominance Orientation (SDOs 7) scale, Bogardus social distance scale and Perth Empathy Scale were used to measure the study variables i.e. Social Dominance Orientation, Prejudice and Empathy. The results indicated that SDO significantly predicted Prejudice. General Empathy and Cognitive Empathy were found as successful moderators in this relationship, while Affective Empathy did not have any significant moderating effect. Additional findings highlighted gender differences where males were found to have higher SDO and Prejudice levels while Females scored higher on Empathy. The findings highlight that by fostering Empathy we can reduce prejudicial attitudes against the rural population at workplace. This study has it’s implications implications in contributing to healthier and more inclusive work environment.