This study from MIT examines one of the most widely used talent assessment methods, the Nine Box, and reviews its use through a gender lens. Analysing its impact on women’s progress provides evidence of significant bias. Regardless of the exact method, there are implications for all assessments of women’s ‘potential’ because the Nine Box is similar to models for talent assessment and promotion used in organisations across the globe.
This 68-page paper unpacks the frequently used Nine Box talent assessment method for analysing employee performance and their future potential, reporting that it contributes to the gender pay and promotion gap. The study looks at data from 29,809 North American retail chain employees who are on track for management between 2011 and 2015. It concludes that organisations are overlooking and failing to galvanise the potential of the women they employ.
A Nine Box evaluation is a tool for managers to assess an employee’s performance against targets, alongside their potential to grow and contribute to the organisation in the future (either in the same or different roles). Assessing ‘potential’ is left to managers’ discretion, this research evidences how this subjectivity leaves significant room for bias. The study references previous research on the possible reasons for this bias, including; the evidence that people find it difficult to imagine women as leaders, that women lack access to influential networks and that they can also be ‘hoarded’ by self-interested managers.
An organisation-wide approach to tackling the bias in how managers conduct their ratings is necessary to reduce the discrimination women face.
To find out more about these key concepts, visit:
To find out more about women’s development and career progression, visit:
Women’s Progression in the Workplace
Click here to learn more about the research-inspired: ‘The Overlooked’