ABSTRACT
Social norms and reinforced sex-role stereotypes inhibit the type of formal and informal interaction between male and female peers which is conducive to building effective working relationships. This chapter aims to analyze the factors within an organization and an individual which give rise to and potentially reinforce covert discrimination within a traditional business organization. Sex-role standards can be defined as the sum of socially designated behaviors that differentiate between men and women. The influence of sex role stereotyping may be more prevalent with respect to female leadership behaviors. The organization structure represents the environment within which an individual works and, in the broadest sense, reflects the values and goals of its managers with respect to the utilization of human resources. Organization design, in terms of specific job duties and responsibilities, and the individuals filling the positions, reflects the basic sex-role stereotypes prevalent in our society.
