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This study combines insights from economic sociology on recent structural changes in the knowledge economy with neoinstitutionalist analyses of cultural change in organizations. Because a network form of organization relies on interorganizational ties, new models of legitimacy emerge alongside of old ones, rather than replacing them, so that seemingly contradictory institutions coexist in the network form. This article explores how life scientists legitimate working in the biotechnology industry—a new option that nevertheless fails to delegitimate the old academic path. The data are based on qualitative observations of a young biotechnology firm. These are supplemented by observations at a university laboratory and interviews with 41 life scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do women have more opportunities in some employment settings? I investigate how organizational form affects gender stratification among life scientists. I propose that firms governed by networks, rather than bureaucracies, allow for greater equity. Hierarchy and rules hide gender bias, while reliance on ties outside the organization provides transparency and flexibility. I analyze the careers of 2,062 U.S. life scientists and interviews with 41 scientists. I examine employment data by gender for two patterns: early entrance into the biotechnology industry and promotion within network and hierarchical organizations. Gender does not affect when a scientist enters the biotech industry but is related to promotion. Men are more likely to attain early supervisory-level positions across organizational settings. Female scientists are nearly eight times more likely to supervise in biotech firms than in more hierarchical settings. The two organizational forms - network and hierarchy --provide different employment experiences for female scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need to increase women's leadership in the field of biotechnology. Although women comprise almost half of recipients of biological sciences degrees in Europe and the U.S., they have less leadership and advisory roles in biotechnology companies. Diverse leadership offers benefits with regards to problem solving. A female perspective is critical for approaches needed to solve complex problems. Increasing women's leadership role will lead to more innovative solutions.