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Whether to Apply

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine B. Coffman

    (Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts 02163)

  • Manuela R. Collis

    (Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E6, Canada)

  • Leena Kulkarni

    (Array Technology Group LLC, New York, New York 10022)

Abstract

Labor market outcomes depend, in part, upon an individual’s willingness to put him- or herself forward for different opportunities. We use a series of experiments to explore gender differences in willingness to apply for higher-return, more challenging work. We find that, in male-typed domains, qualified women are significantly less likely to apply than similarly well-qualified men. We provide evidence both in a controlled setting and in the field that reducing ambiguity surrounding required qualifications increases the rate at which qualified women apply. The effects are mixed for men. Our results point to a way to increase the pool of qualified women applicants.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine B. Coffman & Manuela R. Collis & Leena Kulkarni, 2024. "Whether to Apply," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 70(7), pages 4649-4669, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:70:y:2024:i:7:p:4649-4669
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2023.4907
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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