Obstacles to Promotion? Values of Women Faculty about Career Success and Recognition

Authors:
  • KSKaren Sanders
    Karen Sanders
  • MSMargaret Shih
    Margaret Shih
  • SKSurinder Kallar
    Surinder Kallar
  • HWHampton, Carol MMS Committee on the Status of Women
    Hampton, Carol MMS Committee on the Status of Women
  • MCMinorities, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus
    Minorities, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus
  • CHCarol Hampton
    Carol Hampton
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Abstract
Purpose To assess attitudes of female faculty about career progress, resources for career development, and values related to academic success and recognition. Method In 1997, the authors surveyed all faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and its associated Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Results Of 918 faculty, 567 (62%) responded to the survey; 33% of the respondents were women. Compared with men, women faculty were less likely to be tenured or at the level of professor, spent more time in clinical activities, had less time for scholarly activity, and reported slower career progress. Women were more likely to report that promotion and tenure criteria had not been reviewed with them. Significant differences were found between female physicians and non-physician faculty; female physicians reported the least time for scholarly activities and poorest understanding of promotion and tenure criteria. When the authors asked faculty how they valued certain indicators of career success, women were less likely to value leadership than were men. Female physicians were less likely to value scholarship and national recognition as indicators of their career success. Conclusion This survey found important differences in career progress of male and female faculty, with women reporting less time for career development. In addition, there were differences in values related to career success and recognition, which were most pronounced for female physicians. These differences may have an important impact on promotion for women in general and particularly for female physicians.

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