Premium
Gender and equal opportunities in public sector organizations
Author(s) -
Kremer John,
Hallmark Adrian,
Cleland Jennifer,
Ross Vilinda,
Duncan Jan,
Lindsay Bill,
Berwick Sinead
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of occupational and organizational psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.257
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 2044-8325
pISSN - 0963-1798
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8325.1996.tb00609.x
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , documentation , skepticism , public relations , focus group , action (physics) , perception , public sector , value (mathematics) , qualitative research , political science , sociology , business , psychology , marketing , social science , philosophy , physics , epistemology , quantum mechanics , neuroscience , machine learning , computer science , law , programming language
Findings from six qualitative research projects were combined to construct an evaluation of gender and equality of opportunity in public sector organizations in Northern Ireland. Through interviews and focus groups, these projects targeted equal opportunities officers, chief executives, general staff and trade unionists. In addition, a computer database containing all documentation relating to equal opportunities was developed. The evaluation addressed four primary areas, namely policy development and implementation; resources, channels of communication and organizational structures; where women figure and barriers to progress; and practical steps and positive action. The research found large differences in organizational responses to equal opportunities, with related activities often on the periphery of day‐to‐day management of the organization. Perceptions of the organizations' commitment to equality also varied considerably, with managers describing the proximity between the organization's value system and equal opportunities but employees and trade unionists being more sceptical of these claims. The implications for policy, structures and training needs are discussed in the light of these findings.