Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is apologizing for saying that women don't need to ask for a raise and should just trust the system to pay them well.
Nadella was blasted on Twitter and in blog posts for his comments. He made them Thursday at an event for women in computing held in Arizona. He was asked to give his advice to women who are uncomfortable requesting a raise.
He replied that women should have faith that the system will give them the right raises as they go along. He added that not asking for a raise is "good karma."
His comments caused an uproar. Microsoft posted a memo from him on its website. In it, Nadella says he answered the question "completely wrong."
He says, "men and women should get equal pay for equal work."
He also says, "If you think you deserve a raise, you should just ask."
The full statement is -
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2014 5:24 PM
To: Microsoft – All Employees (QBDG); Retail: All FTE
Subject: RE: Empowering Others
All – Today I was interviewed on stage by Maria Klawe at the Grace Hopper Conference – I encourage you to watch the video. It was great to spend time with so many women passionate about technology. I was honored to be a part of it and I left the conference energized and inspired.
Toward the end of the interview, Maria asked me what advice I would offer women who are not comfortable asking for pay raises. I answered that question completely wrong. Without a doubt I wholeheartedly support programs at Microsoft and in the industry that bring more women into technology and close the pay gap. I believe men and women should get equal pay for equal work. And when it comes to career advice on getting a raise when you think it’s deserved, Maria’s advice was the right advice. If you think you deserve a raise, you should just ask.
I said I was looking forward to the Grace Hopper Conference to learn, and I certainly learned a valuable lesson. I look forward to speaking with you at our monthly Q&A next week and am happy to answer any question you have.
Satya
src:sify.com