Gender differences in response to competition with same-gender coworkers: A relational perspective

Lee, S Y, Kesebir, S and Pillutla, M M (2016) Gender differences in response to competition with same-gender coworkers: A relational perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 110 (6). pp. 869-886. ISSN 0022-3514 OPEN ACCESS

Abstract

We take a relational perspective to explain how women and men may differently experience competition with their same-gender coworkers. According to gender socialization research, the female peer culture values harmony and the appearance of equality, whereas hierarchical ranking is integral to the male peer culture. As competition dispenses with equality and creates a ranking hierarchy, we propose that competition is at odds with the norms of female (but not male) peer relationships. On this basis, we predicted and found in 1 correlational study and 3 experiments that women regard competition with their same-gender coworkers as less desirable than men do, and that their relationships with each other suffer in the presence of competition. We discuss the implications of these findings for women's career progression

More Details

Item Type: Article
Subject Areas: Organisational Behaviour
Additional Information:

© 2016 American Psychological Association

Date Deposited: 17 May 2016 18:43
Date of first compliant deposit: 11 May 2016
Subjects: Management careers
Promotion
Organisational behaviour
Last Modified: 21 Nov 2024 02:38
URI: https://lbsresearch.london.edu/id/eprint/202
More

Export and Share


Download

Accepted Version - Text

Statistics

Altmetrics
View details on Dimensions' website

Downloads from LBS Research Online

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item