Knowledge work: gender-blind or gender-biased?

Catherine Truss, Edel Conway, Alessia d’Amato, Gráinne Kelly, Kathy Monks, Enda Hannon and Patrick C Flood
Additional contact information
Catherine Truss: University of Kent, UK
Edel Conway: Dublin City University, Ireland
Alessia d’Amato: London School of Economics, UK
Gráinne Kelly: Dublin City University, Ireland
Kathy Monks: Dublin City University, Ireland
Enda Hannon: Kingston University, UK
Patrick C Flood: Dublin City University, Ireland

Work, Employment & Society, 2012, vol. 26, issue 5, 735-754

Abstract: Knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs) have been the subject of growing interest from researchers. However, investigations into the comparative experiences of men and women in KIFs remain sparse, and little is known about women’s participation in the processes of innovation and knowledge exchange and combination that are core features of KIFs. The article reports on the findings of a study in the UK and Ireland involving 498 male and female knowledge workers in KIFs. Despite equal levels of qualification and experience, women are more likely to be in lower status and less secure jobs. They also predominantly occupy roles featuring less variety and autonomy than men and, despite comparable levels of knowledge exchange and combination, are less likely to be in a position to translate this into the innovative work behaviours necessary for career advancement. The findings suggest that women’s experiences of and participation in knowledge processes within KIFs differ fundamentally from men’s.

Keywords: gender equality; ICT industry; knowledge-intensive firms; knowledge work; pharmaceutical industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:woemps:v:26:y:2012:i:5:p:735-754

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