The gender pay gap also affects the competitive world of science and technology, where “women earn, by default, less than men in entry-level positions,” says business school professor Pablo Foncillas. One of the reasons that would explain this inequality, he alleges, is the imposter syndrome, which makes, especially in technical jobs, “women feel like they are never up to par.”
This is indicated by research carried out from Stanford that concludes that the key to the salary received lies in self-confidence. However, “sometimes confidence doesn’t reflect actual ability,” he adds. Despite this, he asserts that it is advisable to put the focus elsewhere: “Both genders are valuable and essential in the equation. What happens is that sometimes we confuse the confidence that someone projects with their competence,” warns the disseminator.
Some companies are beginning to be aware of this bias, such as Merck, whose CEO asks in personnel selection interviews whether the candidate is an “eloquent or competent person.” “Perhaps, what is needed is a pinch of daring to close the gap,” concludes the management expert.
