Bulletin: Men, Woman still different

[j]

Yet another researcher has found that men and women are different. But this particular research into the men/women difference thing might actually explain some things we didn't already know. Or the research might be a load of - well, you be the judge.

New research at the University of Chicago finds that men improve their performance when competition is involved, but women don't - generally speaking of course.

At the University of Chicago's business school, Uri Gneezy and a group of colleagues found that women and men have different attitudes toward competition. In one study, groups of students were paid to solve simple maze problems on a computer:


· In some groups, everybody was paid 50 cents per problem solved; in others, a payment of $3 per problem went only to the individual who solved the most mazes. Female performance was much the same in both groups; but in the second lot, the average man did about 50 percent better than in the first -- indicating (according to the researchers) that competition is motivational for men, but not for women.

A second study, of physical tasks, showed similar results:

· When nine- and ten-year-old children ran a race alone, boys and girls clocked similar speeds. When children raced in pairs, girls' speed hardly altered. But boys ran faster when paired with a boy, and faster still when racing against a girl.

Gneezy believes this helps explain why men are more likely than women to get the top jobs in a company. If it's true that men thrive on competition and women don't, men will disproportionately win the top jobs when the jobs are awarded on the basis of performance, unless the woman is naturally a better performer.

There are at least two competing conclusions one might draw from the research, apart from trying to explain inequities in the work force.

The motivational tool (competition) that has been used forever in the business world doesn't work for women, and business colleges need to do more research to determine what does entice women to improve their performance.
Women naturally perform at their peak, and don't need any additional motivation to be more productive.

If option two is incorrect, and the research is valid, women can improve their standing in the office simply by telling us what does motivate them. If not competition, what? Inquiring male minds want to know.

[Pburgh]

The answer is MONEY!!!!

Now if men get to the top because of the competition, will their performance decline once they are at the top and have no competition.

If this theory is correct then women who get the top job will always do their best no matter what!!!!

I love it!!! Thanks
Karan

[JCT777]

The answer is MONEY!!!!

Now if men get to the top because of the competition, will their performance decline once they are at the top and have no competition.

If this theory is correct then women who get the top job will always do their best no matter what!!!!

That is actually an interesting point, and very well could be true.

Ut oh - Did I just join you in male bashing? :o

[coriolis]

This is destined to become an interesting topic.

Here's my 2 cents. These are gross generalizations - individual results will vary.

Competition is definitely part of the male psyche.
Look at animals: Defending the territory, luring females, reproductive sucess. I know males like that. It's a good thing that we have sports or else we'd all be killing each other. That's probably why monogamy was instituted.

Female animals: building the nest, rearing the young, cooperation, relationships, and teaming. I'd hazard a guess that those would be things that motivate women.

[j]

Very good points Coriolis....we are after all just intelligent animals.

[coriolis]

Well, we have a spiritual being too, that is at odds with our animal nature.

[streetsoldier]

The primary factor in aggressiveness in women? Try attacking one of their children, or invading their home, and see how long you live. :o

Secondary? Trying to "win" the affections of an uncaring parent figure, usually her father (or another male), through personal achievement. This is the psychological motivation behind Hillary's hunger for power, according to not a few analysts who have chronicled the Senator's activities and family history at some length...

[Pburgh]

The mother bear and nurturing instincts. I can relate to that!!

[Stephanie]

The answer is MONEY!!!!

Now if men get to the top because of the competition, will their performance decline once they are at the top and have no competition.

If this theory is correct then women who get the top job will always do their best no matter what!!!!

I love it!!! Thanks
Karan

I agree with that logic Karan!

However, I know alot of competitive women though - myself included. I know I do my best work when I am challenged or feel like I have to prove something.

The primary factor in aggressiveness in women? Try attacking one of their children, or invading their home, and see how long you live.

Secondary? Trying to "win" the affections of an uncaring parent figure, usually her father (or another male), through personal achievement. This is the psychological motivation behind Hillary's hunger for power, according to not a few analysts who have chronicled the Senator's activities and family history at some length...

I didn't know that story about Hillary's childhood Bill. I know that when I went to school and didn't do well, I didn't want to let my parents down. In a way, the issue is the same as hers above - trying to win approval. Alot of that stems from insecurity and lack of confidence - it's a work in progress for me still.

Interesting subject.