Study and purpose: The study was of women in corporate America, with regards to the intersectional experiences of diverse women in the workplace. The study was carried by McKinsey and Company (2021) and it was aimed at bringing attention to some distinct experiences diverse women groups face that require companies to enhance racial diversity and equal treatment. This particular study focused on the Asian women who are often overlooked at the work place.
Key Findings: The study found that, “Asian women are rarely given positive feedback on their leadership abilities as they are less likely to be noticed as individuals. More than 1 in 6 Asian women noted that they are frequently mistaken for someone else of the same race, and because of this, workmates and managers may overlook their specific contributions”. McKinsey and Company (2021). Therefore, impartiality seizes to exist, thereby putting pressure on Asian women to work harder than other women for recognition sake.
A key factor in the study is that Asian women are less likely than other women to be promoted even when they receive strong performance feedback. This is reflected by the fact that Asian women account for 1 in 15 women in entry-level roles but only 1 in 50 women in the C-suite. Hence, underrepresentation of women based on racial inequality.
Conclusion: It is vital for companies and employees to know and understand that, women have intersecting identities, that overwhelmingly shape their experiences at the workplace and every race matters so as to effectively advance equity and inclusion for all women.
Data Facts:
- Asian who are double ‘onlys’ (referring to the only and Asian woman in the room at work) face more bad experiences at work including microaggressions, and promotion is biased in such scenario.
- Compared to women overall, Asian women are more likely to ask for promotions and far more likely to want to be a top executive. Hence, they can add up to effective deliverables of the company.
iSAW Sharp Summary
McKinsey & Company in partnership with Lean In
