The Effects of Stereotype Threat on the Performance of Black Female Leaders

Ashley A. Membere

Advisor: Seth Kaplan, PhD, Department of Psychology

Committee Members: Stephen Zaccaro, Lauren Kuykendall, Eden King

David J. King Hall, #2084
July 16, 2018, 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM

Abstract:

Although the effects of stereotype threat on the performance of female leaders have been examined in past research, few studies have assessed how the presence of other demographic characteristics, such as race, can further influence the manifestation of the phenomenon. Furthermore, a second limitation of previous research includes a lack of differentiation between the effects of episodic and chronic stereotype threat. Overall, the goal of the current study is to assess a model chronic stereotype threat on the performance of Black female leaders. Disidentification, the process of distancing oneself from identifying with a targeted domain, is considered as a mediator of the effects of chronic stereotype threat. Additionally, the proposed model examines the role of identification with one’s gender and race as a moderator of stereotype threat. Two hundred and thirty Black female employees completed multiwave surveys assessing identity centrality, stereotype threat, disidentification, and multiple outcomes. Results suggest that disidentification mediates the relationship between stereotype threat and a) perceived performance, b) pursuit of leader opportunities, and c) turnover intentions. Additionally, these relationships are moderated by the centrality of both racial identity and gender identity. Overall, this study provides further nuance into the unique effects of stereotype threat for Black women at work.