The relationship between race and gender on promotions and developmental job opportunities to senior level management positions

Promotions are used by organizations to capitalize on employee knowledge and skills and to motivate workers to perform (Kramer & Lambert, 2001). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of both race and gender on: 1) promotion decisions and 2) access to developmental opportunities. 385 college students participated. Participants analyzed four possible candidates for three potential developmental positions were open at the senior level of a fictitious company. Each position differed in developmental opportunity, thus creating a high, medium, and low responsibility position. Results showed that White males were most advantaged in both receiving a promotion and level of developmental opportunity. Other comparisons between both race and gender were made. Results indicate both a direct and indirect effect of race and gender on developmental job opportunities.