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Challenging experiences: gender differences in task choice

Irene E. De Pater (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Annelies E.M. Van Vianen (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Agneta H. Fischer (University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Wendy P. Van Ginkel (Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Journal of Managerial Psychology

ISSN: 0268-3946

Article publication date: 16 January 2009

3016

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine: gender differences in the choice to perform challenging tasks, gender differences in the actual performance of challenging tasks, and the impact of challenging experiences on supervisors' evaluations of individuals' potential for career advancement.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, a sample of 158 students participated in a laboratory study that examined gender differences in choosing to perform challenging tasks in a situation that stressed individual performance. In study 2, a sample of 93 interns completed questionnaires in which the authors measured their challenging job experiences. Interns' supervisors evaluated interns' potential for career advancement.

Findings

In an achievement situation, women chose to perform fewer challenging tasks than men (study 1). During their internships, females had fewer challenging job experiences than males (study 2). Having challenging experiences was positively related to supervisors' evaluations of interns' potential for career advancement (study 2).

Research limitations/implications

The use of student samples may be considered a limitation of these studies. However, the nature of the research questions justifies an initial examination among students. Moreover, small gender differences in experiences at the start of individuals' careers may ultimately lead to increasing discrepancies between men's and women's careers.

Originality/value

The study is the first to examine individuals' own impact on the extent to which they experience job challenge. Moreover, it is the first that empirically examines the relationship between job challenge and evaluations of career potential.

Keywords

Citation

De Pater, I.E., Van Vianen, A.E.M., Fischer, A.H. and Van Ginkel, W.P. (2009), "Challenging experiences: gender differences in task choice", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 4-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940910922519

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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