Effects of Gender on Arbitrators' Decisions

Abstract

The article discusses research pertaining to the effects of a grievant's gender on arbitration decisions in cases related to labor management relations. The study found that neither the arbitrators' rulings nor their perceptions of the seriousness of an offense were affected by a grievant's gender. Compared to male arbitrators, judgments rendered by women arbitrators were less severe. The offenses of female grievants were regarded as less serious. Results of the study failed to support the hypothesis that arbitrators of the same gender as grievants would treat these grievants favorably.