Findings of few differences, along with the mixed findings of Dion, Easterling and Javalgi (1997) and Moncrief and colleagues (2000), clearly suggest that gender may not be as significant an issue today as was previously thought. As Moncrief and colleagues point out, much of the research that found differences is now somewhat dated. Our findings and those of other recent studies reflect the results of diversity programs and the changes that have occurred in society and the workplace over years.
from the study paper Gender issues in buyer-seller relationships: does gender matter in purchasing? by Ellen Pullins Bolman, David A. Reid and Richard E. Plank
Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision regarding what has been referred to as the largest class action suit in American history started me thinking. Is there sexual discrimination within the purchasing profession?
Now for those who may be unfamiliar with the Wal-Mart case, and according to CNN, the suit involving hundreds of thousands of current and former female workers was dismissed because it was “simply too large.” By the way, if you would like to know more about the Wal-Mart action, as well as employment law in general, here is the link to my interview with the suit’s lead counsel Brad Seligman.
In the meantime, and refocusing our attention on the issue of gender bias in procurement, I came across the above referenced report from the summer of 2004 titled Gender issues in buyer-seller relationships: does gender matter in purchasing?, and thought that I would share it with you while seeking your opinion re the question of the day . . . is there gender bias in the purchasing profession?
Take our poll and let your fellow readers know what you think:
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Procurement Insights 
Kelly Barner
June 22, 2011
As a woman in the procurement profession, I don’t think my gender has held me back at all. And yet, as I scan the photos representing the most active participants in all of my procurement LinkedIn groups, I have often noticed that men seem to be the ones doing most of the talking. Maybe it is a simple numbers game, and there are just more men out there, but it would be nice to see women have higher profile participation across the board. I don’t think there is any reason women can’t be just as active or effective as our male counterparts.
procureinsights
June 22, 2011
Thank you for your thoughtful response Kelly . . . the differences between perception and reality are indeed interesting especially as it relates to our Poll in which 61.9% of respondents feel that there is gender bias . . . what do these numbers tell you Kelly?
Kelly Barner
June 29, 2011
My thought would be that perhaps there is a more general gender bias among people rather than tied specifically to purchasing. At the simplest level, gender is a factor in professional development because women’s careers are often interrupted, altered or redirected as they decide to start families. And while I accept the reality of that, I have also found that because purchasing/procurement rewards hardworking, creative, detail-oriented people, that gender is less of a factor than work ethic, for instance.
What I would really love to know is the gender split on how men v. women feel about the possibility of a bias. But, that’s gender bias in polling and completely off topic!
I did read through the responses to the LinkedIn version of this question. Of the Male respondents: 4 yes to a bias, 3 no. The Female respondents: one no, one unclear. There were also three respondents whose gender was not clear based on their names alone, and they came down on the no side as well. One thing I did not consider when initially answering the question was whether the bias was in favor of or against one gender. I read the question as whether I have felt disadvantaged as a woman in procurement. Maybe some of the male posters understood it as whether women have an unfair advantage in procurement – totally a possibility.
My final word goes to “Duncan” from LinkedIn. I’m sorry your wife doesn’t buy beer – for herself! I’ll raise a cold one to you, and your wife, and my purchasing colleagues male and female alike. Cheers!
sognitaliani
June 23, 2011
If you sell shoes of course women have a different point of view, taste and expectations. They want to look good, expect beautiful shoes with color, high heels if they are short. Men go for practical unless they are transsexual. Other fashion articles the bias may be a little less, but men pay more attention io answering questions like: Is it useful rather than ‘do I look fat in it?’. When buying tools I don’t think there is much difference. With cars in general the women decide the color, all other specifics is a male thing.