'I Know What I'm Doing': The Impact of Gender Stereotypes about Expertise on Task Assignments in Groups

Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 7, pp. 121-141, 2005

22 Pages Posted: 4 Apr 2011

See all articles by Andrea B. Hollingshead

Andrea B. Hollingshead

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business

Samuel N. Fraidin

Gregory P. Joseph Law Offices LLC

Date Written: 2005

Abstract

This chapter investigates the effects of gender stereotypes on task assignments and expectations about expertise. We present a theoretical model that predicts and explains the pervasive and self-reinforcing effects of gender-based stereotypes on expected knowledge and task assignments in groups. In the model, stereotypes influence expertise recognition, which influences tasks assignments. Task assignments provide group members with task experience and expertise. Expertise influences expertise recognition, making the model cyclical. Expertise gained from task experience also affects stereotypes, creating a cycle that reinforces stereotypes. We describe findings from a program of research designed to examine ways of breaking this self-reinforcing cycle, which investigates the effectiveness of various types of expertise claims, by people with expertise, that is inconsistent with stereotypical expectations. We consider the implications of our theory and data for effects of status on evaluation of expertise claims in work groups.

JEL Classification: D70

Suggested Citation

Hollingshead, Andrea B. and Fraidin, Samuel N., 'I Know What I'm Doing': The Impact of Gender Stereotypes about Expertise on Task Assignments in Groups (2005). Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 7, pp. 121-141, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1801562

Andrea B. Hollingshead (Contact Author)

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism ( email )

3502 Watt Way
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2138214081 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://annenberg.usc.edu/Faculty/Communication%20and%20Journalism/HollingsheadA.aspx

University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business

701 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA California 90089
United States

Samuel N. Fraidin

Gregory P. Joseph Law Offices LLC

805 Third Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10022
United States

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