Perceived workplace gender-bias and psychological impact

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of working women in a male-dominated country (Morocco) and unveil the unique challenges and everyday gender-bias they face, the psychological impact of the perceived gender-bias and, finally, identify a variety of coping strategies or combatting mechanisms affecting their motivation and retention in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Empirical evidence was obtained using a qualitative research method. The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used to collect incidents recalled by women in the select institution reflecting their perceptions of their managers’ ineffective behaviors towards them and the impact of these behaviors. The critical incidents were inductively coded, and behavioral statements were derived from the coded data. Findings The qualitative data analysis led them to structure the data according to two theme clusters: The perceived gender-bias behaviors (Covert and evident personal and organizational behaviors) and Psychological impacts resulting from the perceived bias. These behavioral practices included abusive behaviors, unfair treatment, bias and lack of recognition. The psychological impact elements involved decreased productivity, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Practical implications Understanding these experiences can facilitate the identification of strategies geared towards the retention of women in the workforce, and Moroccan organizations can develop and implement strategies and policies that are geared towards eliminating gender-bias in the workplace and to retaining and motivating women who remain ambitious to work in male-dominated environments and cultures. Originality/value This paper provides evidence that sufficient organizational mechanisms to support women in male-dominated environments are still unavailable, leaving them to find the proper coping mechanisms to persevere and resist.

RETRACTED: An Exploratory Study of the Intrinsic Mechanisms of Occupational Stigma Consciousness, Career Development, and Work–Life Balance among Female Leaders

“…Lekchiri et al [46] examine the psychological impacts of stigma consciousness on female leaders. These impacts mainly include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and low motivation.…”

Leadership contingencies in the retention of women in higher education

“…The acceptance of women as leaders thus acknowledges their expertise, and provides them with opportunities to grow, which have a direct impact on their retention. According to Lekchiri et al (2019), the lack of recognition and acknowledgement has serious implications for women managers' self-esteem, stress levels, frustration, productivity and ultimately retention.…”

“…Kapareliotis and Miliopoulou (2019) emphasised the role women play in understanding their potential, embracing critical assessments and making an effort to reflect on their capabilities and objectives. Doubts about one's ability to be successful will have an impact on an individual's internal attributions and can lead to a decreased self-esteem, a warped self-concept and increased levels of stress and anxiety (Lekchiri et al, 2019).…”

“…Various studies have reported on the constraints faced by women who aspire to management positions. Lekchiri, Crowder, Schnerre and Eversole (2019) conducted a study at a tertiary institution in Morocco and identified the following gender bias behaviours: abusive, verbal or physical or sexual harassment; unfair treatment; dismissal; and a lack of trust, recognition and acknowledgement. The most common constraints identified by various other studies include the glass ceiling, gender discrimination, organisational culture, work and family conflict, old boys network, stereotyping, poor support and personal characteristics (April & Sikatali, 2019;Cohen, Dalton, Holder-Webb, & McMillan, 2018;Khalid & Sekiguchi, 2019;Tabassum, Shafique, Konstantopoulou, & Arslan, 2019).…”

Examining the Effects of Gender Transfer in Virtual Reality on Implicit Gender Bias

“…Gender bias, or showing preference for one gender over the other, is a type of discrimination based on a person’s gender which is prevalent in many aspects of society (Grogan, 2019; Lekchiri et al, 2019; Mengel et al, 2019). Although gender bias can be a threat to both men and women, a systematic literature review revealed that women are more likely to experience gender bias (Blau, 1998).…”