Performance in competitive environments: gender differences

Gneezy, U.; Niederle, M.; Rustichini, A.

doi:10.1162/00335530360698496

Cited by 1,997Experimental Behavioral Economics StudiesNames, Identity, and Discrimination ResearchGender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Performance in competitive environments: gender differences

Gneezy, U., Niederle, M., Rustichini, A.·2003·The Quarterly Journal of Economics

DOI 10.1162/00335530360698496

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Abstract

Even though the provision of equal opportunities for men and women has been a priority in many countries, large gender differences prevail in competitive high-ranking positions. Suggested explanations include discrimination and differences in preferences and human capital. In this paper we present experimental evidence in support of an additional factor: women may be less effective than men in competitive environments, even if they are able to perform similarly in non-competitive environments. In a laboratory experiment we observe, as we increase the competitiveness of the environment, a significant increase in performance for men, but not for women. This results in a significant gender gap in performance in tournaments, while there is no gap when participants are paid according to piece rate. This effect is stronger when women have to compete against men than in single-sex competitive environments: this suggests that women may be able to perform in competitive environments per se.

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From Managing to clear the air: Stereotype threat, women, and leadership (2016) · cites this paper as Gneezy, Niederle, & Rustichini, 2003

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Authors: Gneezy, U., Niederle, M., & Rustichini, A.
Affiliations: Stanford University (US)
University of Minnesota (US)
ORCID: Niederle, M.
Rustichini, A.
Venue: The Quarterly Journal of Economics
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 2003-08-01
Volume: 118
Issue: 3
Pages: 1049-1074
ISSN: 0033-5533 (ISSN-L)
1531-4650
DOI: 10.1162/00335530360698496
OpenAlex: W2088212458
Cited by: 1,997
References: 54
Citations by year: 2026: 52 · 2025: 76 · 2024: 105 · 2023: 113 · 2022: 109 · 2021: 106 · 2020: 126 · 2019: 107 · 2018: 133 · 2017: 119 · 2016: 93 · 2015: 136 · 2014: 126 · 2013: 97 · 2012: 91
FWCI: 86.55
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: The Quarterly Journal of Economics (publishedVersion)
RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Safety Research › Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research
Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics
Keywords: gender differences, competitive environment, tournament performance, gender gap, piece rates, discrimination, human capital, preferences, equal opportunities

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Performance in competitive environments: gender differences

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