EXPLAINING GENDER-BASED SELECTION DECISIONS - A SYNTHESIS OF CONTEXTUAL AND COGNITIVE APPROACHES

In this article we integrate contextual and cognitive explanations for gender-based selection in the workplace; we also consider the implica tions of this integration for understanding gender segregation. We arg ue that decision makers' propensity to use applicant gender as a basis for hiring and promotion decisions varies systematically across organ izational contexts. We explore specific ways in which organizational c ontext influences decision makers' development and use of gender-assoc iated schemas of typical jobholders. We also argue that the interactio n between context and cognition may be partially responsible for the p ersistence of gender segregation. Finally, we discuss the implications of our approach for the practice of personnel selection and research on selection and gender segregation.