Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Corporate Policies in Promoting Equal Opportunities

Abstract

The problem of gender discrimination in workplaces remains one of the most serious challenges in the international workplaces despite the increasing use of corporate policies aimed at the creation of equal opportunities. This study discusses the effectiveness of these policies by the mixed-methods quasi-experimental design that incorporates both quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis using quantitative methods based on organizational records and employee surveys proves that the companies implementing gender-equality policies experience significant reductions in the gender pay gap, better promotion and hiring outcomes of women, and more female managers as compared to the companies that lack formal policies. Difference-in-differences results confirm the statistically significant positive policy effect on different measures of employment in relation to gender. The presence of other qualitative studies as complementary evidence also proves that good policy implementation fosters perceptions of fairness, accountability and inclusion among the employees, whilst ineffective enforcement limits the potential benefits. The findings indicate that corporate policies are effective when they are implemented, audited periodically, and supported by the executives of the organization. The research provides practical evidence to the ongoing debate on whether equality exists in the workplace as well as provides business entities with relevant data on the implementation and realization of effective policies to prevent gender discrimination.