Date of Award
8-2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Committee Chair/Advisor
Taylor, Mary Anne
Committee Member
Brooks , Johnell
Committee Member
Kowalski , Robin
Abstract
The following research examined the effects of stereotype threat on women's leadership self-efficacy. Previous research has demonstrated that women's leadership aspirations are negatively affected by the presence of stereotype threat, and the current research served to expand on this literature by examining possible factors that could moderate women's vulnerability to this threat. It was proposed that women with a weaker adherence to sexist beliefs, less investment in gender ideals, and higher self-esteem would be less susceptible to stereotype threat and would perceive themselves as more capable leaders. Participants completed a survey that primed their gender identity in order to invoke stereotype threat or completed a gender-neutral survey in order to maintain an environment free of stereotype threat. Measures of adherence to sexist beliefs, investment in gender ideals, self-esteem, and leadership self-efficacy were administered and regression was used to test the proposed interactions between stereotype threat and each of these three possible moderating variables as predictors of leadership self-efficacy. Results did not support the proposed interactions, indicating that adherence to sexist beliefs, investment in gender ideals, and self-esteem were not moderators of the stereotype threat and women's perceptions of leadership self-efficacy relationship. However, a main effect for investment in gender ideals emerged, although the effect was not in the predicted direction. Possible explanations as to why the findings concerning the predicted interactions were not significant are suggested as well as directions for future research.
Recommended Citation
Lipka, Phillip, "Stereotype Threat and Women's Perceptions of Leadership Self-Efficacy" (2008). All Theses. 480.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/480