ABSTRACT
Dixie Industries, Inc. has been accused by an ad-hoc committee of employees of "a continuing and pervasive bias in promotions in favor of men." It is a mid-size, non-union textile company located in the American south. The first concerns promotion opportunities for women at Dixie Industries. An informal survey of other firms in the textile industry shows that Dixie Industries is below average in promotion opportunities for women employees. Middle managers are frequently called upon to draft documents, including letters, memoranda, position papers, background reports and briefing documents for senior people in their organizations. Often, the preparation of such documents requires no more than a quick referral to a balance sheet, database or filing system to gather the information needed. Sometimes, though, a management response requires that the company – often in the person of the chief executive or president – take a position on an issue.
