D565 Cultural Awareness and Ethics Gender Bias Case Study Analysis
BB (The assignment was to write about different biases) 2025-2026
Western Governors University
Gender Bias
Implicit Bias
Ellen Pao had many accomplishments during her employment with Kleiner Perkins.
Even demonstrating this, her ideas were dismissed more often than those of her male colleagues.
This is an example of implicit gender bias because it could have happened without conscious
intent. Her employer could have done this unconsciously due to ideas that were formed in
the past.
Explicit Bias
Ellen Pao stated that Ajit Nazre pressured her into having an affair, and then when she
ended the relationship, Nazre retaliated against her.
This is an example of explicit gender bias because Ajit Nazre’s behavior was intentional. He was
fully aware of his inappropriate actions.
Professional Identity Ellen
The impact on Ellen’s professional identity could be devastating. She worked for this company
for years and was overlooked for a promotion, which was given to a male colleague with the
same qualifications. Her ideas were dismissed, and the male colleague's ideas were valued.
These damaging actions towards a person can make you question your worth and feel
inadequate. Pao could start questioning whether her worth is tied to her gender rather than her
, ability.
Professional Performance Ellen
The impact on Ellen’s professional performance due to sexual advances and retaliation from a
senior colleague created a hostile working environment due to inappropriate behavior and being
in fear of reprisals. It could have affected her mental health and her ability to do her job with the
confidence she needs to be successful.
Professional Identity Kleiner Perkins and Senior Partners
The impact on Kleiner Perkins and the senior partners put them all in a position to be
scrutinized. Their bias affected how they were seen in their workplace and the industry. While
they were in court, they seemed disinterested in gender equality. When Pao reported what was
happening to her, they retaliated and fired her. These behaviors can devastate how your
employees view you and how other people in the industry see you. You can lose the respect of
your employees and the respect of your peers.
Professional Performance Ajit
The impact this could have had on Ajit’s professional performance is detrimental to his current
and future employment. The publicity of this lawsuit has tarnished his reputation. All of the
negative attention he received could substantially impact his emotional well-being, motivation,
and ability to focus on his work.
BB (The assignment was to write about different biases) 2025-2026
Western Governors University
Gender Bias
Implicit Bias
Ellen Pao had many accomplishments during her employment with Kleiner Perkins.
Even demonstrating this, her ideas were dismissed more often than those of her male colleagues.
This is an example of implicit gender bias because it could have happened without conscious
intent. Her employer could have done this unconsciously due to ideas that were formed in
the past.
Explicit Bias
Ellen Pao stated that Ajit Nazre pressured her into having an affair, and then when she
ended the relationship, Nazre retaliated against her.
This is an example of explicit gender bias because Ajit Nazre’s behavior was intentional. He was
fully aware of his inappropriate actions.
Professional Identity Ellen
The impact on Ellen’s professional identity could be devastating. She worked for this company
for years and was overlooked for a promotion, which was given to a male colleague with the
same qualifications. Her ideas were dismissed, and the male colleague's ideas were valued.
These damaging actions towards a person can make you question your worth and feel
inadequate. Pao could start questioning whether her worth is tied to her gender rather than her
, ability.
Professional Performance Ellen
The impact on Ellen’s professional performance due to sexual advances and retaliation from a
senior colleague created a hostile working environment due to inappropriate behavior and being
in fear of reprisals. It could have affected her mental health and her ability to do her job with the
confidence she needs to be successful.
Professional Identity Kleiner Perkins and Senior Partners
The impact on Kleiner Perkins and the senior partners put them all in a position to be
scrutinized. Their bias affected how they were seen in their workplace and the industry. While
they were in court, they seemed disinterested in gender equality. When Pao reported what was
happening to her, they retaliated and fired her. These behaviors can devastate how your
employees view you and how other people in the industry see you. You can lose the respect of
your employees and the respect of your peers.
Professional Performance Ajit
The impact this could have had on Ajit’s professional performance is detrimental to his current
and future employment. The publicity of this lawsuit has tarnished his reputation. All of the
negative attention he received could substantially impact his emotional well-being, motivation,
and ability to focus on his work.
