Ann Hopkins Case Study
Ann Hopkins: Harvard Business Case Analysis #1
Ann Hopkins: Harvard Business Case Analysis #1 Why was Ann Hopkins passed over for a partnership? Give examples of events that contributed to her being passed over. The Supreme Court ruled Ann Hopkins was passed over for Price Waterhouse partnership because she was not a feminine woman (Selman and de Llose, 1990) calling it sexual discrimination. The partners claimed she needed help with personal and leadership qualities required of a partner (Badaracco 2001, p. 9), however when discussed with the voting partners, the reasons varied. When asked, according to Krulwich, Conner told Beyer she had irritated some senior partners. (Badaracco, 2001 p.10). Unfortunately Krulwich was unsure what that meant. It appears the personal and leadership qualities referred to were how she wore her hair, makeup, clothing and jewelry according to Beyers (Badaracco, 2001 p.8) stating it might improve her chances of partnership. Additionally, he stated that since another woman in the office, Sandy Kinsey, had time to look a certain way then she should as well. Hopkins appeared to be a successful leader managing many projects, writing contracts ultimately earning Price Waterhouse a lot of money. However her directness, take-charge charge attitude and good sense of leadership were not the underlying reason for her not getting promoted. Beyers stated she was an integral part of the office and they needed her skills (Badaracco, 2001 p.7). However, she was told to soften her image, as some may find her walking with authority or forcefulness not an admiring quality. So although she was able to produce deliverables and be a team leader, she needed to work on personal and leadership skills or in other words- act and look more like a stereotypical woman. As Malos (2007) stated: In holding that an employer may not force employees to conform to a gender stereotype as a condition of employment, the Supreme Court made clear
Ann Hopkins: Harvard Business Case Analysis #1 Why was Ann Hopkins passed over for a partnership? Give examples of events that contributed to her being passed over. The Supreme Court ruled Ann Hopkins was passed over for Price Waterhouse partnership because she was not a feminine woman (Selman and de Llose, 1990) calling it sexual discrimination. The partners claimed she needed help with personal and leadership qualities required of a partner (Badaracco 2001, p. 9), however when discussed with the voting partners, the reasons varied. When asked, according to Krulwich, Conner told Beyer she had irritated some senior partners. (Badaracco, 2001 p.10). Unfortunately Krulwich was unsure what that meant. It appears the personal and leadership qualities referred to were how she wore her hair, makeup, clothing and jewelry according to Beyers (Badaracco, 2001 p.8) stating it might improve her chances of partnership. Additionally, he stated that since another woman in the office, Sandy Kinsey, had time to look a certain way then she should as well. Hopkins appeared to be a successful leader managing many projects, writing contracts ultimately earning Price Waterhouse a lot of money. However her directness, take-charge charge attitude and good sense of leadership were not the underlying reason for her not getting promoted. Beyers stated she was an integral part of the office and they needed her skills (Badaracco, 2001 p.7). However, she was told to soften her image, as some may find her walking with authority or forcefulness not an admiring quality. So although she was able to produce deliverables and be a team leader, she needed to work on personal and leadership skills or in other words- act and look more like a stereotypical woman. As Malos (2007) stated: In holding that an employer may not force employees to conform to a gender stereotype as a condition of employment, the Supreme Court made clear
References: Badaracco, J. Jr,. (rev 2001). Ann Hopkins. Harvard Business School. Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston MA. Malos, S. (2007). Appearance-based sex discrimination and stereotyping in the workplace: Whose conduct should we regulate? Employee Responsibilities & Rights Journal, Jun2007, Vol. 19 Issue 2, p95-111, 17p, 1 Chart; DOI: 10.1007/s10672-007-9037-z. Seligman, D and deLlosa, P. (1990). Waiting for Mr. Right, princess charming at price waterhouse, tales of a real tough congressman. Price Waterhouse gets a partner. CNN Money: Fortune. Retrieved from: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/ fortune/ fortune_archive /1990/06/18/73662/index.htm.