Study Reveals Workplace Gender Inequality Stems from Bias, Not Behavior
A recent study published by Stephen Turban, Laura Freeman, and Ben Waber highlights that gender inequality in the workplace is not due to differences in behavior between men and women but rather how they are treated. The research, conducted at a multinational firm, used advanced sensor technology to analyze workplace behavior and found no significant differences in how men and women engage with senior leadership, communicate, or allocate their time.
Despite similar behaviors, women were less likely to advance, suggesting that gender bias, rather than behavior, is a key factor in workplace inequality. The study emphasizes that efforts to reduce bias, rather than solely focusing on changing women’s behavior, are crucial for achieving gender equality in the workplace. Companies are encouraged to use data-driven approaches to identify and address the root causes of gender inequality.
