Are Women More Likely to Be Hired or Promoted into Management Positions

Abstract The research examined the likelihood that, relative to men, women would more often attain management positions due to promotion versus hiring. Financial services managers ( n = 30,996) were studied through analysis of archival information on human capital variables and personnel moves over a 3-year period. Consistent with predictions based on sex stereotype research, logistic regression analyses showed that relative to men, women were more likely to be promoted than hired into management positions. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated no evidence of gender bias in number of overall promotions. There was some evidence, however, of a gender by level interaction effect indicating that, relative to men, women in higher level positions received fewer promotions than women in lower levels. Implications of the findings for careers of female managers and glass ceiling issues are discussed.