Sociocultural factors matter: the effects of gender and racio-ethnicity on attributions of character and associated behaviors

We examined whether the gender and racio-ethnic backgrounds of individuals affect the perceived importance of virtuous character in achieving success in a leadership role in business. Our study was motivated by the concern that the discipline of positive psychology—the foundation of virtuous character—largely neglects the role of context in understanding positive characteristics in the workplace. We used a survey involving 835 experienced managers to explore our research question. ANOVAs and independent sample t-tests revealed that participants rated character and its associated virtues and character strengths as high in importance for achieving success. However, the ratings were affected by gender, racio-ethnic background, age, work experience, managerial experience, education, and household income. The findings have important implications for people management processes in the workplace. We hope that our study is a step in the right direction toward contributing to the conversation of whether the virtues and character strengths identified through the research program by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman and adopted by scholars in management and organization are truly universal. Our results reinforce the need for studies that expand on intersectionality and contextual influences to refine our understanding of character in diverse leadership settings.