Unconscious Bias in Self-Presentation: Exploring Gender Disparities in Leadership within the Transportation Industry

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-13-2024

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

This study examines the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in the civil engineering industry, despite them having similar qualifications, experience, and degrees as men. It focuses on how unconscious biases may affect this disparity, especially in how female leaders present their skills and competencies on social platforms like LinkedIn. Analyzing 2,800 LinkedIn profiles of leaders from civil engineering companies, the study compares their self-presentation with colleagues’ evaluations in the recommendation section. It finds that female leaders often align their skill and biography presentation with others’ expectations, showing a 14% higher text similarity in received recommendations compared to male leaders. Despite being viewed as equally competent, female leaders are perceived as less likable, with a 28% likability score versus 51% for males. The study highlights the need to address these biases to enhance gender equality in leadership positions.

Publication Title

International Conference on Transportation and Development 2024: Transportation Planning, Operations, and Transit - Selected Papers from the International Conference on Transportation and Development 2024

ISBN

[9780784485521]

Link to Full Text

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