xvi) Word Differences in Describing Gender

Introduction

With performance reviews, there are no gender differences in objective measures such as academic qualifications, etc. However in subjective evaluations there is a gender difference

"...Negative words (like selfish, passive, and scattered) were more frequently applied to women......the most commonly used positive term to describe men was analytical while for women it was compassionate. The most commonly used negative term to describe men was arrogant, while for women, it was inept......women were assigned significantly more negative attributes..."
David Smith et al, 2018

Words used to describe performance for men and women in a military setting

(source: David Smith et al, 2018)

Notes

i) analytical is task orientated, speaking to an individual's ability to reason, to interpret, to strategise, and lending support to the objectives or mission of the business.

ii) compassion is relationship-orientated, contributing to a positive work environment and culture (perhaps of less value in accomplishing the work at hand)

Furthermore, women are more likely to receive vague feedback that is not connected to objectives or business outcomes. This can be perceived as a disadvantage when women are competing for job opportunities, promotions, rewards, etc. Also women are more likely to receive conflicting feedback, ie informed that they are too bossy or aggressive yet on the other hand, they should be more confident and assertive; when women emphasise their competency they can be seen as cold and unlikeable.

Summary

"... Even in this era of talent management and diversity and inclusion initiatives, our formal feedback mechanisms are still suffering the same biases, sending subtle messages to women they aren't 'real leaders' - men are..."
David Smith et al, 2018