Gender and competitive performance: Closing gaps with smaller competitions

Abstract

We examine whether gender gaps in competitive performance are moderated by the size of the competition. We hypothesize that women underperform in large, relative to small, competitions and that smaller competitions close gender performance gaps by enhancing women's performance. Study 1 demonstrates this effect using behavioral data from real marathon competitions. Study 2 experimentally replicates the effect with real behavior. Study 3 provides further experimental support that gender performance gaps are exacerbated under competition and that, in these situations, small groups help bring women's performance up to par with men's. We conclude with a discussion about how making simple structural changes can reduce gender equity gaps in organizations.