2023/05/15 by Herrmann, Alexander, Geser, Willi
#Keywords: Uniforms – private security – social attribution – behavioral intentions – social percepti
paper · doi:10.15203/1998-9970-14-1-04
This study investigates effects of uniform styles and variations in color, grooming, accessories, and insignia, on social attributions and behavioral intentions towards private security personnel. Based on N = 932 participants in an online experiment, psychological responses include perceived aggressiveness and competence alongside intended compliance and resistance. Most positive responses were associated with the police-style uniform (officer), followed by the elegant dress suit (bouncer). Most unfavorable was the casual uniform style (worker), with least conspicuousness to civilian clothing. Attributed aggressiveness notably played an ambiguous role. More positive responses were obtained for black (compared to brighter) color, tidy grooming, and militarized outfits. The language of badge inscriptions did not play a role. Our findings suggest that uniforms constitute meaning-laden symbols of non-verbal communication influencing attributions and behavioral intentions towards policing personnel. This study contributes to the academic understanding of the policing-perception nexus and may help practitioners to enhance interactions with non-uniformed others.