Factors influencing the probability of employee promotions: A comparative analysis of human capital, organization screening and gender/race discrimination theories

Abstract

This study examines the effects that a manager's formal education, on-the-job training, race and gender had on the probability of being promoted from different jobs during his or her career in a company. Having a bachelor's degree with a major in business or engineering had significant screening effects on the probability of being promoted. The education screening was much stronger for low performing managers than for high performers. There was no evidence of gender or race or race discrimination effects. The importance of determining screening variables is discussed.