UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 23, Page 3
March 11, 1993
'Organizational Woman'; New book says sex discrimination still a problem

     Kristin and Maria are chatting in a fashionable restaurant in the
heart of the business district:
     Kristin: "Alice, that terrific woman in our accounting department, may
not get the next promotion, even though she's the only accountant anyone
trusts up there. She's clearly earned the next promotion, but the grapevine
says she won't get it. Rumor has it that a younger man will be promoted."
     Maria: "Oh, I'm sure Alice will get the promotion.  From what you've
told me, her work is better than anyone else's in the department.
Although... would a woman be good at giving orders or firing people,
especially men?"
     The conversation and other similar ones that Kristin and Maria
exchange over a six-month period are included in a new book, The
Organizational Woman, written by Beth Haslett, Florence L. Geis and Mae R.
Carter and published by Ablex Publishing Corp. of Norwood, N.J.
     Although the book is based on professional research and experience,
the conversational tone is just one of the techniques the authors employ to
communicate their message:  Sex discrimination against women is a very real
and continuing problem in all areas of society today.
     Their book focuses on women in paid organizational positions, and
although the problems outlined are serious, it is a hopeful volume-one that
offers several concrete examples and suggestions for change.
     "The reality in today's world is that most women are still not allowed
the same opportunities as men to develop to their full potential
economically, socially or politically...," according to the
authors-Haslett, professor of communication; Geis, professor of psychology
and women's studies; and Carter, formerly assistant provost for women's
affairs and the first chairperson of the University's Commission on the
Status of Women, now retired.
     "Women are still not advancing in representative numbers to
upper-level positions. Nor are women receiving comparable pay for
comparable work. Why? Are women doing something wrong? Or are there other
reasons? If you have asked these questions," they write, "this book is for
you."
     One of the aims of the book, stated in the introduction, is to
contribute to greater equity, opportunity and upward mobility for women,
and, while the book is about women in organizations, its concepts are
relevant to women in all walks of life. Similarly, the solutions offered
can be adapted to many situations.
     Men readers also can gain valuable insights into unconscious bias and
how it operates in organizations, the authors say.
     The book is divided into four sections. The first, "The World of
Working Women," introduces readers to some of the problems women face in
the working world and relates some research findings.
     The second section, "In The Mind's Eye," discusses mental processes
that shape how women are perceived and subsequently treated. Designed to
help women understand why apparently "unfair" things happen to them., the
section also offers suggestions on how to counter such behavior.
     "Communicating Effectively in Organizations," the third section,
discusses managerial communication, communication in small groups and
leadership. These chapters focus on power strategies and barriers to power
for women.
     The final section, "The Bottom Line," presents case studies on
critical organization issues confronting women and offers analyses of the
situation and alternatives for dealing with problems.
     The book examines two previous theories on why women face problems in
the workplace. One theory, now discredited, is that women are "deficient."
Another approach says women are fine but there is nothing to be done to
combat the sexism of society.
     While the authors acknowledge such sexism, they describe some
strategies individuals can employ to influence their own particular work
situations. The suggested strategies are not quick-fix solutions, such as
"be assertive," but are presented as information to empower readers to
reach the most effective solutions for each situation.
     "Sexism exists in the minds and actions of both men and women,"
according to the authors. "Reducing sexism means that men must change, as
well as women. Empowering yourself is something you can do...the choice of
action, including no action, is up to you."
                                        -Beth Thomas