Gender Representation and Gender Pay Disparities in Norwegian Private Sector Firms: Analysing Organisational Hierarchies and Firm-Level Data

Abstract

This master thesis investigates gender representation and gender pay disparities within organisational hierarchies and at the firm level in Norwegian private sector firms. Using data collected from 202 companies mandated to report gender equality metrics under Sections 26. and 26 a. of the Equality and Anti- Discrimination Act, we categorise information into four hierarchical levels and a firm level. Our findings reveal a consistent decline in female representation and an increasing gender pay gap from lower to higher hierarchical levels. Women constitute 30% of top management and earn 91.2% of men's base salary. Firmlevel analysis shows women represent 34.7% of the workforce, earning 92.7% of men's earnings. The study highlights the need for improved reporting on female representation and gender pay disparities at hierarchical levels, as studies show that increased transparency among firms can contribute to closing the gender pay gap.