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Career Expectations Vs. Experiences: The Case Of Academic Women, Sonia Goltz

College of Business Publications

This qualitative study explored how women who filed complaints against their universities initially formed expectations when they joined their universities and how they later discovered their expectations were not met. Interviews suggested that as applicants the women assessed: 1) whether the university would provide an environment that would foster the achievement of their goals; 2) whether the university would reward their efforts and success; and 3) whether their individual characteristics matched the university's needs. They also assumed that the university would be fair. Upon entering their universities, the women expected to exchange their abilities and hard work for the organization's …