Gender & Diversity

Question 1

Genetic argument

Answer 1

Firestone (1974)

• A Woman’s subordinate position is directly due to their biological differences. Only in re-constructive the reproductive system can we get rid of the patriarchy.

Question 2

Inevitability of the patriarchy theory

Answer 2

Goldberg (1973)

-Impact of physiology makes men more self-assertive, aggressive, dominant and competitive; so they seek to obtain top positions in any hierarchy

Question 3

Rational choice theory

Answer 3

Becker (1985)

• As a result of the division of labour between men and women, women tend to invest less in their human capital development, and are inferior in the workplace as a result of this

Question 4

Feminist Perspective

Answer 4

Hartmann (1982)

• Men collectively organise themselves to further their own interests against those of women.

Question 5

Perception of women in managerial roles

Answer 5

Early & Carli

• Successful female leaders are more likely to be seen as ‘deceitful, pushy, selfish and abrasive’
• They suggest management innovations in order to combat it

Question 6

UK discrimination laws

Answer 6

Colgan et al. (2009)

• UK prohibited discrimination over sexual orientation in 2003
• UK prohibited gender discrimination in 2007
• Legislation is THE BEST way of increasing workplace diversity

Question 7

legal compliance / business rationale

Answer 7

Foster & Harris (2005)

Legal compliance rationale: Adhering to discrimination regulation in order to avoid penalty

Business case rationale: Maximised talents, range of perspectives, organisation immune to cultural barriers, higher job satisfaction

Question 8

empty shell policies

Answer 8

Riach (2009)

• Diversity a & equality legislation is often created in order to avoid litigation, rather than actually wanting to take positive action

Question 9

affermative action

Answer 9

Noon (2010)

• Positive discrimination should only be used to accelerate workplace equality
• Criticisms of affirmative action
  best candidates aren’t always picked / undermines meritocracy giving markets power

Question 10

stock price EMPIRICAL study

Answer 10

Cook & Glass (2009)

• Study shows that stock price falls when an ethnic minority is appointed to corporate leadership & rises when a caucasian is.
• Accepted minorities tend to be better qualified due to this bias.

Question 11

counterproductive equality policy

Answer 11

Dickens

• Equality policy can often be counterproductive because people assume problem is solved instead of continuing an effort to try and solve it.

Question 12

bad time bias

Answer 12

Ryan & Hallam (2005)

• Minorities are more likely to be appointed during bad times, which will worsen the stereotype.