Sex Differences in Job Orientation.

Abstract

This investigation examines sex differences in job orientation by comparing the ratings given 25 job characteristics by 3 groups of subjects: male business majors, female business majors, and female psychology majors. The characteristics were those used by Manhardt (1972) in a study which found significant differences between new male and female college-graduate employees. As hypothesized, there were significant differences, not only between (1) male and female business majors and (2) male business majors and female psychology majors, but also between (3) female business majors and female psychology majors. In fact, male and female business majors differed significantly on only 6 items; both male and female business majors differed from female psychology majors on 14 items. Looking at the data in terms of three factors isolated by Manhardt, it is seen that male business majors did not give higher ratings than female business majors to career aspiration items; nor did the female business majors give higher ratings to items relating to working conditions and congenial associates. These results were contrary to what was hypothesized. As predicted, differences between male and female business majors on intrinsic items were minimal and mixed. Differences between the business majors and psychology majors also are noted. These results strongly suggest that sex variable may not be, in and of itself, a useful predictor of job orientation. Implications are discussed.