Every year, Len and Cal — two thoughtful partners in a law firm — have to evaluate a handful of direct reports and assign them end-of-year bonuses. Both Len and Cal take this responsibility very seriously, as their decisions are consequential for their subordinates and their firm. In most respects the influences on Len’s and Cal’s decision making appear similar: they both follow the same company policies and norms, and they both have similar backgrounds and pedigrees. Yet the outcomes of their bonus decisions are remarkably different: over the years, Len’s female employees have consistently received a greater share of the bonus pool, compared with Cal’s female employees.
Do Conservative Managers Give Smaller Bonuses to Women?
A study of one law firm finds that political ideology does influence compensation.
December 02, 2016
New!
HBR Learning
Performance Appraisal Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Performance Appraisal. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Take the pain out of employee reviews.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Performance Appraisal Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Performance Appraisal. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Take the pain out of employee reviews.