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How Selectivity Shapes Selection

Author

Listed:
  • Claudio Schilter

Abstract

This field experiment investigates how stressing selectivity at career information events affects the diversity, size, and quality of the applicant pool. While the total number of applications remains unaffected by stressing selectivity, it reduces the share of female participants and children of migrants in the applicant pool. A key mechanism driving this effect is that treated participants perceive their (also treated) peers as more competitive during the event. Leveraging treatment timing, I find that exposure to such peer behavior significantly contributes to the gender-specific effect of stressing selectivity. Moreover, further analysis reveals that stressing selectivity deters high-quality female participants from applying and attracts low-quality male participants. The results point to de-emphasizing selectivity as a simple way of boosting diversity, particularly when potential applicants interact with one another.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudio Schilter, 2025. "How Selectivity Shapes Selection," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0236, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    • Handle: RePEc:iso:educat:0236
    as

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    File URL: http://repec.business.uzh.ch/RePEc/iso/leadinghouse/0236_lhwpaper.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jeffrey A. Flory & Andreas Leibbrandt & John A. List, 2015. "Do Competitive Workplaces Deter Female Workers? A Large-Scale Natural Field Experiment on Job Entry Decisions," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 82(1), pages 122-155.
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    4. 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.
    5. Amalia R. Miller & Ragan Petrie & Carmit Segal, 2024. "Effects of Workplace Competition on Work Time and Gender Inequality," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 77(2), pages 251-272, March.
    6. Abraham, Lisa & Hallermeier, Johannes & Stein, Alison, 2024. "Words matter: Experimental evidence from job applications," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 348-391.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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