Gender Differences in the Evaluations of Narratives in Officer Performance Ratings
Abstract
The narrative sections of the Reports on the Fitness of Officers (FitReps) for 239 unrestricted line officers were compared for gender differences. A content analysis was conducted and the descriptors applied to naval officers of each gender were tallied. Significance tests were conducted to determine whether the number of descriptors within each category or the nature of the descriptors differed by gender. In addition, cluster and discriminate analyses were performed on the personality traits appearing in the evaluation. Men's evaluations were significantly longer than the were women's, contained more comments about their combat potential and impact on the Navy, contained more recommendations for future assignments, and used different words to describe their behavior. Men were seen as more qualified, logical, dynamic, mature, and aggressive than were women. Male officers were described as being effective in training others and physically fit, possessing the Navy image, having supportive wives, and improving their commands. Female officers, more so than males, were described as supporting equal opportunity, appearing impeccable in uniform, and being an asset to their commands. Using the significant gender differences uncovered in the analyses, two pseudo-narratives were written without any gender-identifying pronouns--one describing a female lieutenant and the other, a male lieutenant. Mid-level officers, who were asked to judge the promotability of the two pseudo-lieutenants, overwhelmingly chose the man.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA127197
Entities
People
- Brenda L. Holmes
- Laura L. Carroll
- Patricia J. Thomas