Organisations are increasingly enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion in response to global demographic changes. Despite these efforts, stereotypical perceptions and expectations have impeded their progress by negatively impacting workplace outcomes. Given the growing body of research on workplace stereotypes in recent years, a systematic synthesis is needed. This review examines workplace outcomes associated with stereotypes, their mediating and moderating mechanisms, and the research designs employed in the past five years.
Following PRISMA guidelines, searches of the Scopus and PsychInfo databases identified 53 articles comprising 88 empirical studies (total N = 30,056 employee participants) conducted across 20 countries. Most studies adopted quantitative designs, predominantly survey-based and experimental methodologies. Although a diverse range of stereotype targets was examined (such as weight and nationality), workplace outcomes were mostly investigated in relation to gender- and age-based stereotypes.
The findings indicate that stereotypes shape workplace outcomes across four domains: (1) behavioral and interpersonal responses, (2) performance, evaluation, and capabilities, (3) attitudes, affects, and well-being, and (4) career progression and retention. Negative stereotypes were predominantly associated with adverse outcomes, whereas positive stereotypes produced mixed effects, including potential backfire effects. Stereotype effects were explained and amplified or decreased through emotional (e.g., anxiety, threat), cognitive (e.g., self-perception, identity), and behavioral (e.g., organisational socialisation, voice behavior) mechanisms.
Despite its focus on recent literature, only two studies addressed non-traditional work environments, specifically, those involving digital technologies, underscoring a significant gap in understanding how stereotypes shape outcomes in 21st century workplace. By integrating evidence across diverse forms of stereotypes—including self-stereotypes, other-stereotypes, meta-stereotypes, and stereotype threat—this review advances applied social and organisational psychology by clarifying how stereotypes both undermine and, under certain conditions, shape workplace outcomes. The findings offer implications for fostering inclusive climates, improving health, and supporting employee development in organisations.