Business & Finance
High Cognitive Scores Linked to Negative Perceptions for Women, Not Men, in Two Cross‑Cultural Studies
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology examined how cognitive ability and gender affect interpersonal outcomes in the workplace. Researchers analyzed data from 432 business students in the United States and 394 finance professionals in China. The findings showed that women who scored higher on cognitive ability tests were more likely to be perceived as hostile by their teammates. These negative perceptions were associated with greater victimisation and less help from colleagues on both work‑related tasks and personal matters. In the Chinese sample, highly capable women were also seen as less communal. The same pattern was not observed for men; men with higher cognitive scores did not face negative perceptions, and in the Chinese sample were actually viewed as less hostile and received more help from colleagues. The researchers suggest that differing societal expectations for men and women may explain why confidence and competence are accepted as leadership traits for men but can lead to negative judgments for women. This study highlights how gender stereotypes can influence workplace support and opportunities for women, even when they possess high levels of skill and ability.
Frequently asked questions
What negative perceptions did women with high cognitive scores face?
Women with higher cognitive ability scores were more likely to be perceived as hostile by teammates, seen as less communal in China, and experienced greater victimisation and less help from colleagues.
Did men with high cognitive scores experience similar negative perceptions?
Men with higher cognitive scores did not face negative perceptions; in China they were viewed as less hostile and received more help from colleagues.