Chapter Sixteen The Changing Roles of Men and Women
Chapter Preview: The Changing Roles of Men and Women Changing traditional roles of men and women Problems with gender bias in organizations Coping with gender-biased behavior Forms of sexual harassment and how to avoid it
Traditional Roles Are Changing All cultures promote a set of behaviors for boys and a set for girls Reinforced throughout life by teachers, parents, authority figures and the media Differences in expectations can be harmful to men and women Gender bias, also known as sexism, is discrimination on the basis of gender Gender bias is also a male issue
Changes in the Roles of Women Women are entering the workforce in record numbers Women’s movement began in 1960’s Challenges still exist Balancing career with family When and how long to leave the workforce Reentering the workplace Limited access to top-level jobs
Figure 16.1 - Women in the U.S. Labor Force
Changes in the Roles of Men Many boys have been conditioned to be competitors and to win Urged to be aggressive, to learn teamwork, select traditional male pastimes and enter “male” professions Girls could be tomboys, but a boy could not be a “sissy” A man was pressured to prove himself and keep moving up the career ladder
The Burden of Stress Stress associated with being male has been neglected Many men are tired of  Being in control Not expressing their feelings Constantly striving for achievement Many men are discovering that the traditional expectations are unhealthy and unrealistic Men are learning to define the life they want
Where Is the Balance? Both men and women  Face conflicting messages as they re-examine their role in society Realize that the joy of parenting can be just as satisfying as the achievement of career goals Are often expected to maintain aggressive attitudes toward careers while being attentive parents and spouses
Problems Facing Women When women pursue careers, they often face three challenges: The Wage Gap The Glass Ceiling Balancing career and family
The Wage Gap The wage gap is the difference between men’s and women’s earnings Factors that impact the wage gap Discrimination Taking time off to have children Willingness to accept lower pay  Not negotiating
Figure 16.2 -  Earnings Gap
The Glass Ceiling Offers women a view of top jobs, but blocks their ascent Men believe major barriers are Lack of significant general management and line experience Less time in the “pipeline” Women believe major barriers are Preconceptions held by men Exclusion of women from informal networks
Total Person Insight We believe that it is time for new metaphors to capture the subtle, systemic forms of discrimination that still linger. It’s not the ceiling that’s holding women back; it’s the whole structure of the organizations in which we work: the foundation, the beams, the walls, the very air. Debra E. Meyerson and Joyce K. Fletcher Professors, Center for Gender in Organizations,  Simmons Graduate School of Management
Balancing Career and Family Choices Most women will be working for pay for part or all of their adult lives Work often provides valued relationships and intellectual stimulation Multiple roles can be stressful and tiring Women contribute to family income  and  do most of the family household chores Long-standing work and family problems remain unresolved
The “Mommy” Track Women who want a career  and  children may have to accept that it will have some impact on their careers Women who want both should consider A career that will give the gift of time A supportive partner An employer that values work/life balance  Preparing to negotiate for policies and practices that are favorable to employees with children
Problems Facing Men Men are realizing that they also have been rigidly stereotyped in their roles  Men encounter resistance from family,  coworkers and friends when they try to break out of these stereotypes
Men Working with Women Male attitudes toward female ambitions have changed over the years Men learned that women are as smart and as ambitious as they are Many men seem to be secure in their talents and welcome the opportunity to work beside equally confident women They recognize that women can be excellent coworkers, team members, and leaders
Balancing Career and Family Choices Men also want work/life balance The role of breadwinner versus homemaker Conflicts of having it all Marriage Parenthood Employment Ownership Paternity leave and discrimination  Healthy lifestyles and health care
Challenges and Opportunities Organizations are recognizing the demands placed on working people and are attempting to address problems  Quality child care Flexible work hours
The Challenge of Child Care Mothers and fathers face overtime and unpredictable hours Some companies offer  On-site day-care centers Vouchers to help subsidize the parents’ costs for outside day-care Pretax deductions of child-care costs  Childfree workers will resent extra work, holiday shifts, and weekends
Figure 16.3 - A Two-way Street
Flexible Work Schedule Opportunities Flexible work hours ranks high on the list of desired benefits Flextime Compressed workweek Job sharing Telecommuting
Figure 16.4 - Flextime in Action
Coping with Gender-Biased Behavior Woman in nontraditional roles may encounter resistance It may not be clear how to act Learn to  Control your own behavior Confront the real obstacles
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Unwelcome verbal or physical behavior in the work environment Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent it Costs of sexual harassment include Absenteeism Staff turnover Low morale Low productivity
Forms of Sexual Harassment Quid pro quo (something for something) occurs when management threatens the job security or career potential of subordinate who refuses to submit to sexual advances Hostile work environment occurs when a “reasonable person” believes behavior is sufficiently severe to create an abusive working environment
How to Deal with Sexual Harassment Unwelcome  is the key word to determine if behavior is harassment Victims should Tell harasser that behavior is inappropriate Record occurrence with dates and details Talk with coworkers Speak with a higher supervisor, if actions continue
How to Deal with Sexual Harassment Two court rulings Companies can be held liable for a supervisor’s behavior An employer can be liable when supervisor threatens to punish a worker for resisting sexual demands
How to Deal with Sexual Harassment Companies can Develop a zero tolerance policy Communicate it to employees Make sure victims can report abuse without fear or retaliation
Learn to Understand and Respect Gender Differences Gender often acts as a filter that interferes with effective communication Differences between men and women are often attributed to linguistic style A series of culturally learned signals that we use to communicate what we mean
Generalizations Concerning Gender-Specific Communication  Men More direct Dominate discussions Interrupt to take turns Work our solutions alone Women Emphasize politeness Work out solutions with others Speak with frequent pauses which are used for taking turns
Generalizations Concerning Gender-Specific Communication  Men Speak in a steady flow, free of pauses Humor based on banter, teasing, witty exchange Minimize doubts Women Humor based on anecdotes More likely to make fun of self than others Downplay their certainty
A Few Words of Caution Stereotypes are often too strong and inflexible Overextension of a strength can become a weakness Flex your style
Table 16.1
Total Person Insight Men and women should learn from one another without abandoning successful traits they already possess. Men can learn to be more collaborative and intuitive, yet remain result-oriented. Women need not give up being nurturing in order to learn to be comfortable with power and conflict. Alice Sargeant Author,  The Androgynous Manager
Learn New Organizational Etiquette As more women enter into upper levels of management, new rules of etiquette may be required There are some guidelines for helping us understand how to act in these new situations
Guidelines for New Organizational Etiquette Both men and women should rise when a visitor enters the office Whoever has a free hand should assist anyone in need Men and women should share clerical duties note taking, answering phones, getting coffee
Guidelines for New Organizational Etiquette Whoever arrives at a door first should open it Whoever extends an invitation for lunch or dinner should pay the tab Written materials should use gender-free language
Chapter Review Changing traditional roles of men and women Traditional roles limit opportunities Many men and women are breaking out of traditional roles Women have entered the job world in increasing numbers Men and women have a wider range of choices regarding marriage and children Organizations are offering job sharing, flextime, and home-based work
Chapter Review Problems with gender bias in organizations Women are still subject to a wage gap The glass ceiling gives women a view of top-level jobs but blocks their ascent Problems may be men’s preconceptions of women and exclusion of women from  informal networks  Myth that men must be emotionally controlled, unexpressive, logical and achievement oriented Men are choosing more personally rewarding careers that allow time for family
Chapter Review Coping with gender-biased behavior  Methods Sexual harassment policies Effective communication with the opposite gender Observing the new rules of etiquette in the workplace
Chapter Review Forms of sexual harassment and how to avoid it  Sexual harassment may be a problem for men as well as women Quid pro quo Hostile work environment Organizations have developed guidelines Avoid harassment Fight it when it occurs

BA 15 Chapter 16

  • 1.
    Chapter Sixteen TheChanging Roles of Men and Women
  • 2.
    Chapter Preview: TheChanging Roles of Men and Women Changing traditional roles of men and women Problems with gender bias in organizations Coping with gender-biased behavior Forms of sexual harassment and how to avoid it
  • 3.
    Traditional Roles AreChanging All cultures promote a set of behaviors for boys and a set for girls Reinforced throughout life by teachers, parents, authority figures and the media Differences in expectations can be harmful to men and women Gender bias, also known as sexism, is discrimination on the basis of gender Gender bias is also a male issue
  • 4.
    Changes in theRoles of Women Women are entering the workforce in record numbers Women’s movement began in 1960’s Challenges still exist Balancing career with family When and how long to leave the workforce Reentering the workplace Limited access to top-level jobs
  • 5.
    Figure 16.1 -Women in the U.S. Labor Force
  • 6.
    Changes in theRoles of Men Many boys have been conditioned to be competitors and to win Urged to be aggressive, to learn teamwork, select traditional male pastimes and enter “male” professions Girls could be tomboys, but a boy could not be a “sissy” A man was pressured to prove himself and keep moving up the career ladder
  • 7.
    The Burden ofStress Stress associated with being male has been neglected Many men are tired of Being in control Not expressing their feelings Constantly striving for achievement Many men are discovering that the traditional expectations are unhealthy and unrealistic Men are learning to define the life they want
  • 8.
    Where Is theBalance? Both men and women Face conflicting messages as they re-examine their role in society Realize that the joy of parenting can be just as satisfying as the achievement of career goals Are often expected to maintain aggressive attitudes toward careers while being attentive parents and spouses
  • 9.
    Problems Facing WomenWhen women pursue careers, they often face three challenges: The Wage Gap The Glass Ceiling Balancing career and family
  • 10.
    The Wage GapThe wage gap is the difference between men’s and women’s earnings Factors that impact the wage gap Discrimination Taking time off to have children Willingness to accept lower pay Not negotiating
  • 11.
    Figure 16.2 - Earnings Gap
  • 12.
    The Glass CeilingOffers women a view of top jobs, but blocks their ascent Men believe major barriers are Lack of significant general management and line experience Less time in the “pipeline” Women believe major barriers are Preconceptions held by men Exclusion of women from informal networks
  • 13.
    Total Person InsightWe believe that it is time for new metaphors to capture the subtle, systemic forms of discrimination that still linger. It’s not the ceiling that’s holding women back; it’s the whole structure of the organizations in which we work: the foundation, the beams, the walls, the very air. Debra E. Meyerson and Joyce K. Fletcher Professors, Center for Gender in Organizations, Simmons Graduate School of Management
  • 14.
    Balancing Career andFamily Choices Most women will be working for pay for part or all of their adult lives Work often provides valued relationships and intellectual stimulation Multiple roles can be stressful and tiring Women contribute to family income and do most of the family household chores Long-standing work and family problems remain unresolved
  • 15.
    The “Mommy” TrackWomen who want a career and children may have to accept that it will have some impact on their careers Women who want both should consider A career that will give the gift of time A supportive partner An employer that values work/life balance Preparing to negotiate for policies and practices that are favorable to employees with children
  • 16.
    Problems Facing MenMen are realizing that they also have been rigidly stereotyped in their roles Men encounter resistance from family, coworkers and friends when they try to break out of these stereotypes
  • 17.
    Men Working withWomen Male attitudes toward female ambitions have changed over the years Men learned that women are as smart and as ambitious as they are Many men seem to be secure in their talents and welcome the opportunity to work beside equally confident women They recognize that women can be excellent coworkers, team members, and leaders
  • 18.
    Balancing Career andFamily Choices Men also want work/life balance The role of breadwinner versus homemaker Conflicts of having it all Marriage Parenthood Employment Ownership Paternity leave and discrimination Healthy lifestyles and health care
  • 19.
    Challenges and OpportunitiesOrganizations are recognizing the demands placed on working people and are attempting to address problems Quality child care Flexible work hours
  • 20.
    The Challenge ofChild Care Mothers and fathers face overtime and unpredictable hours Some companies offer On-site day-care centers Vouchers to help subsidize the parents’ costs for outside day-care Pretax deductions of child-care costs Childfree workers will resent extra work, holiday shifts, and weekends
  • 21.
    Figure 16.3 -A Two-way Street
  • 22.
    Flexible Work ScheduleOpportunities Flexible work hours ranks high on the list of desired benefits Flextime Compressed workweek Job sharing Telecommuting
  • 23.
    Figure 16.4 -Flextime in Action
  • 24.
    Coping with Gender-BiasedBehavior Woman in nontraditional roles may encounter resistance It may not be clear how to act Learn to Control your own behavior Confront the real obstacles
  • 25.
    Sexual Harassment inthe Workplace Unwelcome verbal or physical behavior in the work environment Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent it Costs of sexual harassment include Absenteeism Staff turnover Low morale Low productivity
  • 26.
    Forms of SexualHarassment Quid pro quo (something for something) occurs when management threatens the job security or career potential of subordinate who refuses to submit to sexual advances Hostile work environment occurs when a “reasonable person” believes behavior is sufficiently severe to create an abusive working environment
  • 27.
    How to Dealwith Sexual Harassment Unwelcome is the key word to determine if behavior is harassment Victims should Tell harasser that behavior is inappropriate Record occurrence with dates and details Talk with coworkers Speak with a higher supervisor, if actions continue
  • 28.
    How to Dealwith Sexual Harassment Two court rulings Companies can be held liable for a supervisor’s behavior An employer can be liable when supervisor threatens to punish a worker for resisting sexual demands
  • 29.
    How to Dealwith Sexual Harassment Companies can Develop a zero tolerance policy Communicate it to employees Make sure victims can report abuse without fear or retaliation
  • 30.
    Learn to Understandand Respect Gender Differences Gender often acts as a filter that interferes with effective communication Differences between men and women are often attributed to linguistic style A series of culturally learned signals that we use to communicate what we mean
  • 31.
    Generalizations Concerning Gender-SpecificCommunication Men More direct Dominate discussions Interrupt to take turns Work our solutions alone Women Emphasize politeness Work out solutions with others Speak with frequent pauses which are used for taking turns
  • 32.
    Generalizations Concerning Gender-SpecificCommunication Men Speak in a steady flow, free of pauses Humor based on banter, teasing, witty exchange Minimize doubts Women Humor based on anecdotes More likely to make fun of self than others Downplay their certainty
  • 33.
    A Few Wordsof Caution Stereotypes are often too strong and inflexible Overextension of a strength can become a weakness Flex your style
  • 34.
  • 35.
    Total Person InsightMen and women should learn from one another without abandoning successful traits they already possess. Men can learn to be more collaborative and intuitive, yet remain result-oriented. Women need not give up being nurturing in order to learn to be comfortable with power and conflict. Alice Sargeant Author, The Androgynous Manager
  • 36.
    Learn New OrganizationalEtiquette As more women enter into upper levels of management, new rules of etiquette may be required There are some guidelines for helping us understand how to act in these new situations
  • 37.
    Guidelines for NewOrganizational Etiquette Both men and women should rise when a visitor enters the office Whoever has a free hand should assist anyone in need Men and women should share clerical duties note taking, answering phones, getting coffee
  • 38.
    Guidelines for NewOrganizational Etiquette Whoever arrives at a door first should open it Whoever extends an invitation for lunch or dinner should pay the tab Written materials should use gender-free language
  • 39.
    Chapter Review Changingtraditional roles of men and women Traditional roles limit opportunities Many men and women are breaking out of traditional roles Women have entered the job world in increasing numbers Men and women have a wider range of choices regarding marriage and children Organizations are offering job sharing, flextime, and home-based work
  • 40.
    Chapter Review Problemswith gender bias in organizations Women are still subject to a wage gap The glass ceiling gives women a view of top-level jobs but blocks their ascent Problems may be men’s preconceptions of women and exclusion of women from informal networks Myth that men must be emotionally controlled, unexpressive, logical and achievement oriented Men are choosing more personally rewarding careers that allow time for family
  • 41.
    Chapter Review Copingwith gender-biased behavior Methods Sexual harassment policies Effective communication with the opposite gender Observing the new rules of etiquette in the workplace
  • 42.
    Chapter Review Formsof sexual harassment and how to avoid it Sexual harassment may be a problem for men as well as women Quid pro quo Hostile work environment Organizations have developed guidelines Avoid harassment Fight it when it occurs