Did Goldman Break Its Diversity Policy?

Published: Sep 16, 2010

Topics: CSR

For the 11th straight year, industry insiders named Goldman Sachs the most prestigious bank in North America in Vault's latest ranking. In hindsight then, all the public mudslinging of recent years has done little to upset the bank whether it's in attracting the biggest deals or the best talent. And according to our survey, bankers continue to want Goldman on their resume.

Ironically, a day after the rankings debuted, the bank's prestige is under attack by three former female employees who charge, according to The Wall Street Journal, that "The investment bank practices a system in which women are paid less, promoted less and 'systematically circumvented and excluded.'"

Jobs, Careers and Reviews at Goldman Sachs What's astounding about the allegation is the repeated emphasis on intent, i.e., that the bank has a system that almost formulaically excludes women from getting promoted and compensated on par with their male counterparts. While the bank has called the suit without merit, stating that, "People are critical to our business, and we make extraordinary efforts to recruit, develop and retain outstanding women professionals," it seems it is yet again in the red with the public.

Comments from our Banking 50 survey—culled from responses submitted by over 1,300 banking professionals earlier this year—provide further perspective:

"Supportive and respectful management"

"They could do a better job of promotion as well as placement into areas that are a good fit and utilize skill sets..."

"Having come up through the ranks, from a junior trader to now an experienced one in fixed income products, I must say that I've been very pleased with the level of training, support and guidance that I've received over the years from the firm..."

"I'm a firm believer in the culture at Goldman Sachs. The firm is team-focused, emphasizing integrity and personal development within the industry."

"I think we do a good job at getting women and diversity candidates in the door, but for real success we need to work on better retention."

And, finally a snippet of their Diversity Mission Statement from Vault's Annual Diversity Survey:

"The firm's commitment to diversity is evident at the most senior levels and is driven down through the firm by way of our seventh business principle: "We offer our people the opportunity to move ahead more rapidly than is possible at most other places. Advancement depends on merit and we have yet to find the limits to the responsibility our best people are able to assume. For us to be successful, our men and women must reflect the diversity of the communities and cultures in which we operate. That means we must attract, retain and motivate people from many backgrounds and perspectives. Being diverse is not optional; it is what we must be."

So where does this leave the banking king: A chauvinistic boys club, truly diverse with a few unintentional victims, or the victim of a ploy to take advantage of its current poor reputation? Weigh in by leaving a comment, emailing In Good Company or connecting on Twitter @VaultCSR.