Perceived and Actual Discrimination in the Salaries of Male and Female Managers¹

Abstract

This study uses a sample of over 1000 MBA graduates from a Middle Atlantic University to test for sex differences in perceived discrimination and for the actual effects of various physical characteristics and background factors on the starting salaries and later (1983) salaries of these men and women managers. Women more often reported experiencing discrimination, and they typically identified this as general discrimination against women. Fewer men perceived any discrimination. Those men who did claimed to be the victims of affirmative action programs favoring women and blacks over them. Salary data indicated that women did earn less than men, even when controlling for work experience. Evidence for other forms of discrimination was also found. Controlling for prior work experience and year of first professional employment, age and height had a positive effect on men's starting salaries and being overweight, a negative effect. For women, starting salaries were significantly and positively affected by social class. For 1983 income, taller, non‐overweight, and older men earned more, as did those who grew up in a higher social class. For women, a positive salary correlate was again being from a higher social class. Areas for future research are discussed.

Mistreatment Due to Weight: Prevalence and Sources of Perceived Mistreatment in Women and Men

“…More research is needed to examine subjective vs. objective weight-based discrimination, as the two may not (28). They found that the overweight did not perceive any discrimination toward themselves.…”

Politicians' estimated height as an indicator of their popularity

“…The strong correlation between height and professional success was demonstrated in a number of studies (see meta-analysis Judge & Cable, 2004). According to Frieze, Olson, & Good (1990) (see also Egolf & Corder, 1991;Hensley & Cooper, 1987) only 3% of 500 executives of the largest American companies are shorter than 170 cm, while over half of them measure more than 180 cm (height of an average American is 175 cm). This effect is also found in other disciplines; American science professors were found to be 5 cm taller than their peers (Hensley, 1993).…”

Gender Differences in Pay of Young Management Professionals in the United States: A Comprehensive View

“…Blau et al (2002) discuss the implications of traditional roles on the expected work life of women and the predicted negative effect on earnings. Support for this relationship was reported by Frieze et al (1990), Schneer andReitman (1990), andWellington (1994). Some contrary evidence has been observed.…”

“…Stanley and Jarrell (1998) report that large biases in estimating the gender earnings gap are likely when labor force experience is omitted. Gender differences in full-time work experience have explained a significant portion of gender differences in pay (Frieze et al, 1990;Frieze, 1987, 1989;Schneer and Reitman, 1990). When controlling for labor force experience, length of service with an employer is positively related to earnings (Brett and Stroh, 1997;Brown and Corcoran, 1997;Chauvin, 1994;Topel, 1991;Wellington, 1994).…”