Discrimination Is Not OK, but… – When Discrimination Based on Political Orientation Is Considered Legitimate

Abstract: This study extended models of third-party perceptions of workplace mistreatment by examining political orientation as a basis for discrimination and how political (dis)similarity between third-party observers and victims shapes legitimacy judgments. Using a pre-registered experimental between-subjects design, 667 French participants read a scenario where a candidate was rejected for political views. We measured perceived similarity, legitimacy of the decision, and willingness to cooperate. Results show that third-party observers with a similar political orientation to that of the candidate reported significantly lower legitimacy of the discriminatory hiring decision. Those high in social dominance orientation viewed it as more legitimate. Perceived similarity also increased willingness to cooperate. Findings suggest political similarity fosters biases that legitimize hiring discrimination among third parties.