Imagine that you are choosing between two similar mutual funds, one managed by Marcus and the other by Tanya. Without additional differentiating information, there is no obvious reason to have a strong preference for one over the other.
Research: Objective Performance Metrics Are Not Enough to Overcome Gender Bias
In one study, female investment professionals received 25% less attention than equally qualified men.
October 25, 2017
Summary.
Women often face a double standard in that they must outperform men to be evaluated similarly. But how pervasive is this? Research on investment professionals finds that gender-based double standards persist in a competitive context, where evaluators have access to objective performance information and are motivated to evaluate candidates based on quality alone. The study shows that it’s only when evaluators have access to more-comprehensive information with which to base their assessments that bias against women is reduced.
New!
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.