Gender Differences in the Career Development of Professionals in Hong Kong

Gender Differences in the Career Development of Professionals in Hong Kong The present study examines the cultural relevance of constructs such as self-perception of performance and perception of the opportunity structure to a group of Hong Kong professionals. A total of 521 professionals from five traditionally male-dominated professions participated in the present study. The results of t-tests indicated that male professionals rated their overall career-related competencies significantly higher than did their female peers. Demographic variables also related differently to the development of the careers of male and female professionals. The findings further indicate that male and female professionals have a similar level of satisfaction with the equal opportunities open to women in the professions and with active measures to promote gender equality. However, compared to male professionals, female professionals have adopted a broader definition of what constitutes gender inequality. The significance and implications of these findings are discussed.