Gender issues in buyer-seller relationships: does gender matter in purchasing?

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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Tags: Brad Seligman, gender bias in purchasing, Wal-Mart class action suit, Wal-Mart sexual discrimination case