The Ann Hopkins Case

Relevant Facts Ann Hopkins worked as a senior manager for the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse for four years and was proposed for partnership in 1982. Her 1982 partnership class included 87 other candidates, of which Ann Hopkins was the only woman. Price Waterhouse' final decision was to place her nomination on hold. It was suggested that she be given more work with partners and undertake a quality control review in order to demonstrate her skills and dispel …

…she could not, nor would she make adjustments to the way she dressed or looked, she was informed that she would no longer be considered for partner in the future. Coincidence? I believe that when she refused to come across as more feminine, she committed professional suicide with her company. The company related her appearance and demeanor with her interpersonal skills, which she was successfully working to improve and denied her the opportunity she deserved.