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Gender differences in advice giving

Author

Listed:
  • Elif B. Osun

    (Bates White Economic Consulting)

Abstract

I experimentally investigate whether there is a gender difference in advice giving in a gender-neutral task with varying difficulty in which the incentives of the sender and the receiver are perfectly aligned. I find that women are more reluctant to give advice compared to men for difficult questions. The gender difference in advice giving cannot be explained by gender differences in performance. Self-confidence explains some of the gender gap, but not all. The gender gap disappears if advice becomes enforceable. Introducing a model of guilt and responsibility, I discuss possible underlying mechanisms that are consistent with the findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Elif B. Osun, 2024. "Gender differences in advice giving," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 27(5), pages 1068-1105, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:27:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1007_s10683-024-09846-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-024-09846-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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