Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
In many societies, individuals hold negative attitudes towards homosexuality and, as a result,
homophobia is widespread. Religion has been identified as one of the main contributing factors
that determine an individual’s attitude towards homosexuality. The importance of religion is
vested in the guiding manner in which it shapes attitudes, beliefs, and values. In some instances,
members of a religious group may experience discrimination in the workplace, which may
further influence their attitudes towards homosexuality. Historically, discrimination against
people has been rife in South Africa, and various laws have been developed to discourage such
behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether religion and experiences of
workplace discrimination negatively influence attitudes towards homosexuality. The study was
carried out using a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. The Religious
Identity Short Scale, the Centrality of Religiosity Scale, the Attitudes Towards Homosexuality
Scale, and the Chronic Work Discrimination and Harassment Scale were administered to various
participants (n = 449) in different organisations in South Africa. The results from the multi-group
structural equation modelling indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship
between religious identity and negative attitudes towards homosexuality for Catholics and
Muslims, whereas general religiosity accounted for negative attitudes towards homosexuality for
the Protestant Christian Groups. Furthermore, experiences of discrimination were statistically
significant for negative attitudes towards homosexuality. These findings suggest that religious
individuals and individuals who experience discrimination are more inclined to hold negative
attitudes towards homosexuality, which could influence relationships in the workplace.
Therefore, organisations should provide training to counter negative attitudes towards...