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Fund Assortments and 401(k) Plan Participation: The Moderating Effect of Gender

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  • Maureen Morrin
  • Susan Broniarczyk
  • J. Jeffrey Inman

Abstract

We report the results of a decision simulation conducted among 349 adults whose task was to invest in a hypothetical 401(k) retirement plan. We varied the number of mutual funds offered for investment and observed the effects on the incidence and extent of participation. The results indicate that larger fund assortments tend to reduce participation among women, but increase it among men. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Maureen Morrin & Susan Broniarczyk & J. Jeffrey Inman, 2009. "Fund Assortments and 401(k) Plan Participation: The Moderating Effect of Gender," NFI Working Papers 2009-WP-06, Indiana State University, Scott College of Business, Networks Financial Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:nfi:nfiwps:2009-wp-06
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    File URL: http://www.indstate.edu/business/sites/business.indstate.edu/files/Docs/2009-WP-06_Morrin_Broniarczyk_Inman.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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