Customer Discrimination in the Workplace: Evidence from Online Sales

Abstract

Discrimination by customers who prefer to interact with certain types of workers can affect worker productivity. In this paper, we measure the impact of gender-based customer discrimination on the productivity of online sales agents working across Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a daily randomization design that varies the gender of names presented to customers while holding other characteristics fixed, we find the assignment of a female-sounding name leads to significantly fewer purchases by customers. The results appear to be driven by relatively lower interest in engaging with female workers. We find no evidence of differential bargaining or harassment.