Rational Bias and Interorganizational Power in the Employment of Management Consultants

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Abstract
A review of the organizational discrimination literature indicates that a potentially important source of discrimination, referred to here as "rational bias, " has received little attention. Defined as discrimination originating in the service of economic self-interest, rational bias is specifically tested in the management-client relation ship. As anticipated, the results show a preference for male management consultants in some types of activities. The findings are interpreted as providing support for the new model of discrimi nation in organizations.