By , Jonathan Segal
Published May 03, 2016
We read a lot about “Boys’ Clubs”. They are power circles of men, mostly white, who control, formally or informally, organizations or silos within them.
The gender demographics of the senior leadership team may be relevant but is in no way dispositive as to whether a boys’ club exists. I have seen organizations with senior leadership teams lacking in gender diversity that are not, in my opinion, run by a boys’ clubs. Conversely, I have seen organizations where the numbers at the top look good in terms of gender diversity but a core “boys’ clubs” calls the shots.
So, how do you know if you have a boys’ club? Of course, there is no test. So, I have a created one.
Related: It's Time to Close the Workplace Gender Gap
Warning from this lawyer -- write your answers on a piece of paper and then throw away. Don’t want your self-evaluation to be used against you in litigation by a plaintiffs’ lawyer.
Emotions of this management lawyer -- I want to scream about my prior warning. There should be strong privilege against discovery for critical self-assessment with eye toward increasing equality ,maximizing compliance, etc.
Now, as for each of the five questions:
The five questions:
Almost everyone knows that boys’ clubs exist. But many believe that they exist only at the employer next store. Certitude is a good thing. But, on this issue, a little doubt is a good thing. So give yourself:
Related: 3 Ways for Women to Close the VC Gender Gap
Often the gender gap at the top is because women don’t have the opportunities they need to get there. Absence of meaningful opportunities also contributes to the gender pay gap. There is no one system always works. But “no system” never works.
No system often leads to what the EEOC calls “like me” bias. Those in charge of opportunities give them to those just like them -- often other men. So some vehicle to measure equal access to opportunity is essential. Merit will prevail but only if there is equal access to opportunity. Time to score it:
Social inclusion is a form of business inclusion. Information is shared, strategies are developed and relationships formed and/or cemented. Of course, many men don’t relish business in bars. And, there are women who do. But the local watering hole is often the club house for the boys’ club. The same is true of the golf course. Okay, let’s score it:
There is no doubt that there is a gender pay gap. Those who doubt it sound as credible as men who deny the existence of labor pains because they never have experienced them. But, the gender gap is not due solely to employer practices. If you step out of the game to be the primary caregiver, when you step back in, you will make less. And women are still more likely than men to be primary caregivers.
As for points, the pattern you may have predicted no longer holds.
Related: Why Are Business Owners Blamed For the Gender Pay Gap?
No. And here’s why:
Let’s score this one:
Now, add up all of your points, subtracting points where you have earned them.
If you have five points or more, you may have a boys’ club, but don’t see it. If you have fewer than five points, you still may have a boys’ club, but you are primed to help dismantle it; please do.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-boys-club-perception-test