This article tests the Lehman Sisters Hypothesis in two complementary, although incomplete ways. It reviews the diverse empirical literature in behavioural, experimental, and neuroeconomics as well as related fields of behavioural research. And it presents the findings from an explorative survey among Dutch financial professionals. The conclusion is that both methods find support for the Lehman Sisters Hypothesis. It shows that gender stereotypes are still influential, constraining women to achieve top positions in banking. At the same time, the analysis indicates that women perform better than men in finance and that female leaders have more balanced management skills than men and are rated as better leaders. This would plea for having more rather than less women at the top of the financial sector.

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Erasmus University Rotterdam
hdl.handle.net/1765/32567
ISS Working Papers - General Series
ISS Working Paper Series / General Series
International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University (ISS)

van Staveren, I. (2012). The Lehman Sisters Hypothesis: an exploration of literature and bankers (No. 545). ISS Working Paper Series / General Series (Vol. 545, pp. 1–25). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/32567