Gender Differences in Perceptions of Organizational Climate

Abstract

Organizations that have a progressive culture emphasize respect for people through fairness, equality, and support for all employees. Espoused organization values can endorse a progressive climate in theory; however, the pervasive climate that actually exists may not be experienced the same way by all members of the organization. When the perceived inequity targets a specific group, such as women, the result could be a substantial loss in productivity for the organization. Organizational climate is examined for two latent variables—psychological contract maintenance and perceived discrimination—that may be perceived differentially by men and women in the workplace. Remedying the perceived gap between espoused and practiced values of organizational culture may help that organization remain competitive and successful in its external business environment.