A multivariate analysis of workplace mentoring and socializing in the wake of #MeToo. Issue 35 (27th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: French, Michael T.; Mortensen, Karoline; Timming, Andrew R.
• Is Part Of: Applied economics. Volume 53:Issue 35(2021)
• Page Start: 4040
• Page End: 4058
• Publication Date: 2021-07-27
• Subjects: #MeToo -- mentoring -- disadvantage -- attractiveness -- sexual harassment; Economics -- Periodicals; 330
• DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2021.1896673
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper examines workplace mentoring and socializing behaviours in the wake of #MeToo and whether these practices might be associated with women's career trajectories. To address this important and timely topic, we fielded two surveys, one to managers (n = 203) and the other to female employees (n = 1, 847), asking several questions about mentoring and male/female work interactions. Descriptive statistics show that 32% of the female employee sample report that their views on male/female work interactions are different today than they were 1–2 years ago. Multivariate analyses of the manager sample indicate that male managers are significantly less likely than female managers to mentor or interact one-on-one with female employees. The implication of these findings is that female employees may face a mentoring disadvantage in the wake of #MeToo. The adverse effects for career growth and advancement for female employees could be profound.