Effects of Employment Gaps on the Career of M.B.A.'s: More Damaging for Men Than for Women?

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of employment gaps on two dimensions of managerial careers: income and satisfaction. As was hypothesized, the results from a survey of M.B.A. degree holders revealed that discontinuous employment histories were negatively associated with future income and satisfaction. The impact of a gap was found to be more severe for men than women. The findings suggest discrimination against men not following a traditional career path.