‘Leading' by example? Gendered language in human resource job adverts

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Ridgway, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4426-6516, Oldridge, L ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9915-9959 and Mavin, S, 2024. ‘Leading' by example? Gendered language in human resource job adverts. Human Resource Management Journal. ISSN 0954-5395 (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

While there has been an increase of women in the workplace, why do they remain underrepresented at the senior level, even in women-dominated occupations such as human resources (HR)? This article examines gendered wording in UK HR job adverts and the extent to which job adverts are a gendered practice contributing to women’s underrepresentation in senior roles - even within a women-dominated profession. We analysed 158 HR job adverts to identify the use of gendered language, traits and behaviours, equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI), and flexible working practices. Findings show that as the salary or title seniority increases, the proportion of masculine words in the job adverts increases, the prevalence of EDI statements, and flexible working practices decreases. We theorise how job adverts are a hidden gendered barrier to women’s progress in HR, contributing to the (re)production of patriarchy, the masculine discourse of leadership and a negative cycle sustaining hierarchical segregation where men dominate in senior roles. HR is not leading by example in reducing systemic inequality practices and is complicit in reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Human Resource Management Journal
Creators:	Ridgway, M., Oldridge, L. and Mavin, S.
Publisher:	Wiley
Date:	16 March 2024
ISSN:	0954-5395
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1111/1748-8583.12549 DOI 1875768 Other
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	19 Mar 2024 14:32
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2024 14:33
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/51113