Sex Bias in the Evaluation of Women in Management: A Systems Perspective

Evaluation of an individual's qualifications and performance is an integral part of entering and progressing through the ranks of most organizations. Yet, there are indications that women in management are hampered by sex bias in evaluation situations (e.g., Heilman, 1984; Schein, 1973; Terborg, & Ilgen, 1975; Walsh, Weinberg, and Fairfield, 1987). Therefore, sex bias may be adversely affecting the personnel decision‐making processes and procedures that are often critical for establishing and maintaining a career in management.