The Impact of Role Models on Women's Self-Selection in Competitive Environments

42 Pages Posted: 14 Dec 2017 Last revised: 22 Feb 2024

See all articles by Kristina Meier

Kristina Meier

University of Mannheim - Department of Finance

Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI); University of Mannheim - Finance Area

Stefan Ruenzi

University of Mannheim - Department of International Finance

Date Written: March 25, 2020

Abstract

We show that competitive female role models reduce women's perceived stereotype threat and increase their willingness to compete. Competitive male role models have the opposite effect: they reduce women's willingness to compete, and the gender gap in tournament entry increases. Results are strongest for the best performing women who would benefit most from competing. Role models have no impact on low performing women, and on men.

Keywords: Gender, Competition, Role models, Stereotype threat

JEL Classification: J16, C9

Suggested Citation

Meier, Kristina and Niessen-Ruenzi, Alexandra and Ruenzi, Stefan, The Impact of Role Models on Women's Self-Selection in Competitive Environments (March 25, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3087862 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3087862

Kristina Meier (Contact Author)

University of Mannheim - Department of Finance ( email )

L9, 1-2
Mannheim, 68131
Germany

Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)

c/o the Royal Academies of Belgium
Rue Ducale 1 Hertogsstraat
1000 Brussels
Belgium

University of Mannheim - Finance Area ( email )

Mannheim, 68131
Germany

Stefan Ruenzi

University of Mannheim - Department of International Finance ( email )

L9, 1-2
Mannheim, 68131
Germany

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