Employers’ Hiring Attitude, Hiring Practice and Post-Employment Experiences Regarding Persons with Disabilities in Addis Ababa: Government and Private Sectors in Focus
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study is undertaken to study employers’ hiring attitude, hiring practice and experiences regarding
persons with disabilities (PWDs). The study utilized a mixed methods research approach to gather
information. Hence, the study used a cross-sectional structured survey research design and a case study
approach to expand the breadth and range of the study. A sample of 183 government and private sector
employers were given a questionnaire on the attitude and hiring practice of PWDs. The attitude expressed by
employers about employing PWDs and their hiring practice were measured by the instruments adopted and
modified for this study, ‘employers’ attitude and hiring practice scale’. In analyzing the quantitative data
frequencies, percentages, mean, t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regressions were as appropriate.
The qualitative descriptive research approach aimed to explore the employers post-employment
experiences of PWDs, interview was conducted with five employers selected purposefully.This
qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed thematically as part of an in-depth data analysis process. The
results of the study revealed a favorable attitude towards employing PWDs among many employers. It was,
however, in total contrast to actuall hiring practice by employers in positions vacant in their respective
organizations. Paradoxically, positive employers’ attitude did not result in higher employment
practice ascertaining employers did not transfer their positive attitude to their actual hiring
practice. Findings from the qualitative data also revealed that employers experienced both positive and
negative experiences and the nature of these experiences influenced the employers in particular ways.
Employers dominantly expressed their experiences working with PWDs as a positive and enriching; PWDs
were described as committed, punctual, hard working and concentrating on tasks. Although many employers
had expresses positive experiences, post employment barriers of PWDs in the work place didn't seem to be
minimal. These barriers include: lack of reasonable accommodations, inaccessibility of work places, gaps
between state policy and practices, and lack of disability sensitive organizational policy. Over
all, the educative finding of this research is that problems employers have regarding PWDs is not attitudinal
rather practicability problems. Recommendations are also made for future actions and researches
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Addis Ababa: Government and Private Sectors in Focus .