The hidden problems are subtle and may escape the notice of everyone at the institution, male and female alike. For example, computer help might be obtained faster by male than female faculty, she said. Universities are typically not monitoring for subtle hidden inequities. Valian also said that universities have a responsibility to pursue this problem. Every institution should be examining its practices for subtle examples of gender and race differences that prevent that institution from making the most of its faculty and staff, she said.
Institutions lose out when any group is disfavored.