A study has identified an average pay gap of 35 percent between male and female healthcare executives in similar positions.
The study, conducted by the Diversified Search Healthcare Practice and the Women's Leadership Center and Kennesaw (Ga.) State University, examined the career experiences of C-suite leaders, vice president and directors at health systems hospitals, medical centers and other healthcare facilities. Study participants included 157 female and 125 male leaders.
In the study sample, compensation for women was "considerably lower," according to the study. The average difference was 35 percent between a man and woman's pay for similar positions.
The study cites a few factors that may account for the pay difference. Women are more likely to be promoted from within the organization, while men were more likely to be hired from the outside. So the perceived value of external versus internal candidates may be at play.
The study found men and women were also likely to have different backgrounds: 66 percent of men reported a background in medicine, finance or general administration, while 44 percent of women had nursing backgrounds.
And further, staff supervision "seems to be associated with the differential in compensation," according to the study. Men reported supervising twice as many employees as female study participants.
Despite the considerable pay difference, women still derive "significantly more" satisfaction than men do from a sense of meaningful work and contributions to society. The study also showed a higher rate of women in leadership roles in religious nonprofit organizations.
More Articles on Women Healthcare Executives:
130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know
Women at the Wheel: Q&A With the Female Leadership Team of Grand View Hospital
Women's Leadership in Healthcare in 2012: 9 Hospital Leaders Offer Insight