Are there gender differences in performance in competition in China? An empirical investigation

Wu, Gerald, Nikita, Nikita and Lordan, Grace (2025) Are there gender differences in performance in competition in China? An empirical investigation. Behavioral Sciences, 15 (7). ISSN 2076-328X

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Abstract

Evidence from the lab suggests that women perform less well than men under competitive conditions, but the majority of this evidence relates to Western countries. Our study explores gender differences in performance in competitive environments among Chinese individuals. Using a five-round online experimental design, we recruited undergraduate and postgraduate students from a Shanghai university. Participants completed a series of word memory games under varying incentive schemes, including baseline, piece-rate, risk-based, and tournament-style competition. The results of this study suggest that there are no differences in performance under competitive conditions between Chinese men and women. However, women perform slightly better than men when the element of risk is added in a competitive environment. This study underscores the importance of examining cultural nuances when evaluating gender dynamics in competition and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics in the Chinese context.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 by the authors
Divisions:	Psychological and Behavioural Science
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2025 09:42
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2025 09:42
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/128886

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