Acceptance or tolerance: Exploring the Attitudes of Heterosexual Workers towards Their LGBT Peers

Abstract

Through a quantitative, exploratory-descriptive and non-experimental study, the attitude of heterosexual workers towards their LGBTT peers was examined in a sample of 646 individuals. The largest participation was of women (70 %) between the age ranges of 21 to 40 years old. According to the findings, women and people who fluctuate between the ages range of 21 to 40 years old show fewer negative attitudes towards their LGBTT peers. Regarding those who practice some religion, they reflect a more negative attitude versus those who indicated not to practice any, U=57,637.000, Z=6.171, p<.001. In addition, it has been observed that workers who know an LGBTT person show fewer negative attitudes towards their LGBTT peers. Similarly, there were significant differences between workers who had taken a diversity training in their organization versus those who did not, U=36,910.000, Z=-2.785, p<.005. Finally, through a regression analysis, we identified that sex, age, and knowing someone LGBTT are predictors of the attitudes of the workers’ towards their LGBTT peers. We conclude that for companies to manage diversity and promote inclusion effectively, it’s essential to promote the knowledge and exposure of heterosexual workers towards issues that affect sexual minorities; since it also helps to improve their attitudes towards their LGBTT coworkers.