Stereotype threat, “arises when one is in a situation or doing something for which a negative stereotype about one’s group applies” (Steele 1997:614) and has the potential to lower the motivation and performance of the person who identifies with the group being stereotyped.

• Critically evaluate, using relevant literature, the conditions that foster stereotype threat.

• Discuss the strengths of the HR interventions that are already introduced by Phillips to build a gender-inclusive culture. Provide a clear direction for the specific talent-management strategies that Phillips can develop, to ensure that a pipeline is created, to strengthen gender diversity at multiple levels of the organisational hierarchy.