A representation gap is a measurable imbalance in the participation of demographic groups in a workforce, hiring pipeline, or leadership. It may be assessed by comparing each group’s share of hires or promotions with its share of the relevant workforce or applicant pool.
In cyber security and AI organizations, gaps can indicate that hiring or advancement processes are missing talent or creating unequal access to opportunity. Possible contributors include narrow recruitment networks, credential requirements, and promotion practices; a disparity alone does not prove its cause. Organizations can track hiring, promotion, and retention data across groups, protect employee privacy, and review criteria for unintended barriers. These measures help identify where practices may need improvement.