Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal: Research Policy: Policy, management and economic studies of science, technology and innovation

Volume number: 52

Issue number: 9

ISSN: 0048-7333

eISSN: 1873-7625

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2023.104865

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
This study investigates a unique incentive-based affirmative action program in Germany's academic labor market. By analyzing a sample of business administration professors, we document that the probability that a newly tenured professor is female increases at universities that participate in this government program compared to universities that do not. By delving deeper into the mechanisms of the program, we show that program universities lowered the entry barrier for tenured professorships regarding publication records for new female professors. While favoring women, we show that the program had no harmful effects on male professors regarding the entry barrier to tenured professorships. Overall, we provide evidence of the effectiveness of financial incentives as a means of reducing female underrepresentation in academic labor markets.

Harvard Citation style: Fernandes, M., Hilber, S., Sturm, J. and Walter, A. (2023) Closing the gender gap in academia? Evidence from an affirmative action program, Research Policy: Policy, management and economic studies of science, technology and innovation, 52(9), Article 104865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2023.104865

APA Citation style: Fernandes, M., Hilber, S., Sturm, J., & Walter, A. (2023). Closing the gender gap in academia? Evidence from an affirmative action program. Research Policy: Policy, management and economic studies of science, technology and innovation. 52(9), Article 104865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2023.104865