Staff characteristics and the exclusion of persons with disabilities: evidence from the microfinance industry in Uganda

This study applies survey data from the microfinance industry in Uganda to investigate whether there are staff differences in beliefs and views regarding persons with disabilities. For several of the questions, various sub-groups of the staff respond significantly different. A recurring result is that staff members who have a relative with disabilities often express views different from other staff members. Moreover, we find significant differences related to the age of the staff members. For instance, younger staff members are more positive and optimistic about the potential of reaching more clients with disabilities. The employment position of the employees also appears to be relevant; credit officers are relatively more likely (than other staff types) to indicate that discrimination could be a problem in the microfinance industry. Interestingly, we never document any differences in views and beliefs that are related to the staff members’ gender.