Gender Promotion Gaps in Knowledge Work: The Role of Task Assignment in Teams

Cagatay Bircan, Guido Friebel and Tristan Stahl

No 20338, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: Using rich data on personnel records, work assignments, and performance in a financial institution, we uncover the mechanisms leading to promotiongaps in knowledge teamwork. We find a substantial promotion gap for women in early career stages. Analyzing over 10,000 investment projects reveals that assignments to project team leaderships (a “promotable†task) are crucial in explaining the gaps in promotions and affect long-term careers. We find causal evidence that male supervisors favor male bankers, while women benefit from female supervisors. A survey among employees indicates that women perceive to be disadvantaged in the assignments of tasks, but they do not differ in aspirations and demand for these roles. When a new CEO entered the firm, much of the gap disappears.

JEL-codes: D22 J16 J44 M51 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-06
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