The development of an instrument to measure projected attributions in performance assessments for library professionals

This study examined the influence of projected attributions on personnel evaluations in libraries as an explanation for the disproportionate number of males in management positions. The Attribution Assignment Assessment Tool was developed to determine if librarians are unconsciously making differential attributions to explain the success or failure of males or females. The instrument consisted of contrived scenarios depicting either a female or male failing or succeeding on a task. Participants were asked to respond to items relating to these scenarios.; A 2 x 2 multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed for the comparison of the four scenario groups (female-failure, female-success, male-failure, male-success) on the average attribution scores. The MANOVA results showed that there was no main effect for sex of actor, and no interaction between sex of actor and outcome of scenario. However, the main effect for outcome of scenario was significant, thus indicating that responses to attribution subscale scores differed depending on the success or failure of the main actor in the scenario.; This research provided evidence that decisions about promotions in the library arena may not be influenced by the sex of the person being considered for promotion. Rather, the success or failure of the individual on a specific task may prompt the rater to make a judgment about the ratee's promotability.; This study adds to the body of research attempting to understand why women in the work force continue to be underrepresented in upper level, higher paying positions. While most of the previous research has centered on male professions, the current study looked at the question in one female-intensive profession. While results are inconclusive, they provide a starting point from which research may continue.