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More Women in Tech? Evidence from a Field Experiment Addressing Social Identity

Author

Listed:
  • Lucía Del Carpio

    (INSEAD, Department of Economics, 77300 Fontainebleau, France)

  • Maria Guadalupe

    (INSEAD, Department of Economics, 77300 Fontainebleau, France)

Abstract

We study the impact of using informational messaging aimed at encouraging women to seek a career in technology and the resulting trade-offs for organizations pursuing recruitment strategies of this kind. Our treatment, implemented through two field experiments among potential applicants to a five-month software-coding program targeted at low-income women in Peru and Mexico, counterbalances the strong male stereotype associated with a career in tech. Although our informational messages substantially increase application rates, including candidates at the top of the cognitive skill distribution, they introduce negative selection on cognitive skills, implying a higher cost of screening. Moreover, we observe selection on the noncognitive dimensions addressed with the treatment (e.g., stronger gender stereotypes and traditional norms). This points to the barriers that preclude more women from applying to tech positions, as well as the trade-offs for organizations of adopting such a strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucía Del Carpio & Maria Guadalupe, 2022. "More Women in Tech? Evidence from a Field Experiment Addressing Social Identity," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(5), pages 3196-3218, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:68:y:2022:i:5:p:3196-3218
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2021.4035
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    Cited by:

    1. Martina Zanella, 2024. "Stereotypical Selection," Trinity Economics Papers tep0224, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics, revised Aug 2024.
    2. Wolter, Stefan C. & Zöllner, Thea, 2024. "Are Parents an Obstacle to Gender-Atypical Occupational Choices?," IZA Discussion Papers 16955, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Larissa Fuchs & Matthias Heinz & Pia Pinger & Max Thon, 2024. "How to Attract Talents? Field-Experimental Evidence on Emphasizing Flexibility and Career Opportunities in Job Advertisements," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 332, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.

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