Why were the testers in the environmental testing area called "the girls"? This was a term of endearment and the testimony at the criminal trial bears this out. But in addition, it was also a term that emphasized their lack of power. Was Goodearl "one of the girls"? Apparently not. But she was definitely subordinate to LaRue, who often treated her complaints with the same arrogance as those of "the girls." Goodearls' last supervisor was also female, but this female supervisor had learned the lesson that she must go along with the corporate culture in order to get along. Thus like in many organizations, the women who advance most quickly are those who reflect the male corporate values.

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