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Bridging the gender gap in confidence

Author

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  • Carlin, Barbara A.
  • Gelb, Betsy D.
  • Belinne, Jamie K.
  • Ramchand, Latha

Abstract

Underconfidence among women can reduce their career aspirations and thwart advancement in whatever career they choose. For managers seeking to retain and promote capable women, we recommend addressing the gender gap in confidence to increase the effectiveness of women in the current workforce as employees and leaders and thereby attract the best new hires among women seeking opportunity. Based on a wide range of research and the broad experience of the authors, we discuss useful approaches—include helping women learn how to be more self-confident through classes and webinars—but also discouraging practices such as equating low confidence with low competence. The entire organization can benefit when its practices recognize the need for and payoff from reducing the confidence gap between women and men.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlin, Barbara A. & Gelb, Betsy D. & Belinne, Jamie K. & Ramchand, Latha, 2018. "Bridging the gender gap in confidence," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 61(5), pages 765-774.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:61:y:2018:i:5:p:765-774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2018.05.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Martin, Ashley E. & Phillips, Katherine W., 2017. "What “blindness” to gender differences helps women see and do: Implications for confidence, agency, and action in male-dominated environments," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 28-44.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rigolini, Alessandra & Gabaldon, Patricia & Le Bruyn Goldeng, Eskil, 2021. "CEO succession with gender change in troubled companies: The effect of a new woman CEO on firm risk and firm risk perceived," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1).
    2. Getchell, Kristen M. & Beitelspacher, Lauren Skinner, 2020. "Better marketing for female marketers: Gendered language in the Forbes CMO list," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 63(5), pages 607-617.
    3. Karpinska-Krakowiak, Malgorzata, 2021. "Women are more likely to buy unknown brands than men: The effects of gender and known versus unknown brands on purchase intentions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    4. Wilson, J. Holton & Dingus, Rebecca & Hoyle, Jeffrey, 2020. "Women count: Perceptions of forecasting in sales," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 63(5), pages 637-646.

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