Do Gender Differences Affect Job Performance? Evidence from UiTM Sports Graduates

Abstract

Job performance is an important indicator of how effectively graduates apply their knowledge, skills, and responsibilities in the workplace, and understanding whether performance differs by gender remains an important area of inquiry. As graduates transition into employment, job performance becomes a key measure of their ability to adapt to workplace expectations and contribute to organizational goals. This study aimed to determine whether there is a significant difference in job performance between male and female UiTM sports graduates. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 369 employed UiTM sports graduates from five campuses. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic information and an 11-item job performance scale measured using a five-point Likert scale. The data were analysed using an independent samples t-test to compare job performance by gender. The statistical analysis revealed that this difference was not significant, indicating that job performance did not vary meaningfully according to gender. The discussion suggests that comparable educational preparation, similar workplace expectations, and shared motivational factors may explain the absence of significant differences. The findings also imply that job performance among graduates is more likely to be shaped by competence, work environment, and professional demands than by gender. Overall, this study contributes empirical evidence that challenges assumptions of gender-based performance differences among sports graduates and highlights the importance of assessing employee performance on the basis of capability and outcomes. These findings may inform fairer evaluation practices and support future research on graduate employability and workplace performance.