Image concerns in ex-ante self-assessments–Gender differences and behavioral consequences
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
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https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3055767Utgivelsesdato
2022-06Metadata
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Originalversjon
Häckl-Schermer, S.V. (2022) Image concerns in ex-ante self-assessments–Gender differences and behavioral consequences. Labour Economics, 76, 102166 10.1016/j.labeco.2022.102166Sammendrag
While differences in confidence have been identified as a driver behind gender gaps in the labor market, less is known about the moderators of these differences. This paper uses a laboratory experiment to investigate how the image concerns related to the self-assessment affect male and female confidence. Subjects assess their relative performance prior to a real-effort task and can subsequently adjust their efforts. I find that women increase their self-assessment when it is made public, but only if the actual placement remains private. There are no effects for men. I also investigate whether subjects who ex ante overstate their ability provide more effort. I find no evidence of such a motivational effect.