Correlates of perceived bias in a professional services firm

Examines the relationship of individual demographic characteristics, work‐setting factors and work outcomes to perceived bias, both personally experienced and observed in organizational decision making. Data were collected from 829 women and 766 men employed in a single professional services firm using anonymously completed questionnaires. Although both women and men perceived bias, women reported significantly higher levels of both personally experienced and observed bias. Perceived bias was correlated with work settings and work outcomes similarly for women and men. Women and men experiencing and observing more bias, described the work setting as less favourable and were less satisfied, more likely to quit and saw the organization as less committed to fairness and due process. Draws implications for management and organizations.