The Impact of Gender as Managerial Careers Unfold

This research examines the career paths of men and women MBAs. Longitudinal data were collected from 676 MBAs who graduated between 1975 and 1980 from two northeastern universities. Overall, fewer women than men remained in the full-time work force through mid-career. The study found that for those MBAs who were employed full-time through mid-career, women earned less income, worked fewer hours, and achieved lower levels of management, even when controlling for other factors that may have influenced these career outcomes. Despite these lesser organizational rewards, the women MBAs were not less satisfied with their careers. The findings lead to some degree of pessimism about the possibility for equality of men's and women's careers as they move through mid-career and beyond.