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Inflating and down playing strengths and weaknesses—Practicing gender in the evaluation of potential managers and partners

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  • van den Brink, Marieke
  • Holgersson, Charlotte
  • Linghag, Sophie
  • Deé, Sharon

Abstract

In this paper we contribute to the debate on gender in evaluation decisions and the male norm in management by examining how the skills and experience of women and men are described and interpreted in the evaluation of candidates’ potential for future positions in a Swedish bank and a Dutch professional services firm. By drawing on Martin’s concept of practicing gender, we show how strengths and weaknesses are discursively constructed in real time and space. We identify four different and subtle patterns of practicing gender in the evaluation of men and women in which men’s strengths are inflated and their weaknesses downplayed, while women’s strengths are downplayed and weaknesses inflated. Although women are included in the process and seen as competent, their potential is – in general – limited to lower managerial levels. Moreover, we examine the entanglement of gender and age. We discuss how these patterns of practicing gender can help us understand how gender and other inequalities are reproduced in seemingly gender egalitarian contexts where women and men are considered for higher positions.

Suggested Citation

  • van den Brink, Marieke & Holgersson, Charlotte & Linghag, Sophie & Deé, Sharon, 2016. "Inflating and down playing strengths and weaknesses—Practicing gender in the evaluation of potential managers and partners," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 20-32.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:32:y:2016:i:1:p:20-32
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2015.11.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teigen, M., 2002. "The suitable few: managerial recruitment practices in the Norwegian state bureaucracy," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 197-215, June.
    2. Deborah Kerfoot & David Knights, 1993. "Management, Masculinity And Manipulation: From Paternalism To Corporate Strategy In Financial Services In Britain," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(4), pages 659-677, July.
    3. Van den Brink, Marieke & Stobbe, Lineke, 2014. "The support paradox: Overcoming dilemmas in gender equality programs," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 163-174.
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    Cited by:

    1. Angel Ellul Fenech & Shireen Kanji & Zsuzsanna Vargha, 2022. "Gender‐based exclusionary practices in performance appraisal," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 427-442, March.
    2. Torchia, Mariateresa & Calabrò, Andrea & Gabaldon, Patricia & Kanadli, Sadi Bogac, 2018. "Women directors contribution to organizational innovation: A behavioral approach," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 215-224.

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