A Bias Toward Kindness Goals in Performance Feedback to Women (vs. Men)

Jampol, L, Rattan, A and Wolf, E B (2023) A Bias Toward Kindness Goals in Performance Feedback to Women (vs. Men). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 49 (10). pp. 1423-1438. ISSN 0146-1672

Abstract

While research has documented positivity biases in workplace feedback to women versus men, this phenomenon is not fully understood. We take a motivational perspective, theorizing that the gender stereotype of warmth shapes feedback givers’ goals, amplifying the importance placed on kindness when giving critical feedback to a woman versus a man. We found support for this hypothesis in a survey of professionals giving real developmental feedback (Study 1, N= 4,842 raters evaluating N=423 individuals) and 5 experiments with MBA students, lab participants, and managers (Studies 2-5, N=1,589). Across studies, people prioritized the goal of kindness more when they gave or anticipated giving critical feedback to a woman vs. a man. Studies 1, 3, and 5 suggest that this kindness bias relates to gendered positivity biases, and Studies 4a-4b tested potential mechanisms and supported an indirect effect through warmth. We discuss implications for the study of motivation and workplace gender bias.