Does gender matter? A review of work‐related gender commonalities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which differences and similarities exist between female and male business professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,164 students from three English‐speaking countries completed a 75‐item multi‐dimensional tool that consists of 17 empirically independent work preference constructs associated with psychological learning styles, work values, work interests, and personality temperament.

Findings

There are few notable or significant differences between the work preferences of female and male business professionals within each country. Differences between the work preferences of female and male business professionals are not consistent from nation to nation.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research on gender differences of work preferences needs to include larger samples of college students majoring in non‐business subjects as well as working adults drawn from related occupational fields.

Practical implications

Managers need to understand that biological sex may be irrelevant when it comes to the selection, placement, training, development, and appraisal of employees.

Originality/value

Contrary to prior research, the results refute the existence of work‐related differences between females and males.

Citation

Gilbert, G.R., Burnett, M.F., Phau, I. and Haar, J. (2010), "Does gender matter? A review of work‐related gender commonalities", Gender in Management, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 676-699. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542411011092336