Queen Bees and Alpha Males: Are successful women more competitive than successful men?

Abstract

Two studies carried out in Switzerland examined different explanations forthe “Queen Bee (QB)-phenomenon.” In Study 1 (N = 315), female managers(vs. subordinates) identified with successful women and supported measuresthat would benefit these women—even though they are their directcompetitors. However, they were disinclined to identify with women whoput their family first, viewed themselves as different (more masculine) thanjunior women, and were reluctant to endorse measures to support them.Study 2 (N = 277) compared QB-responses of women to Alpha Male (AM)responses of men. We found evidence of QB and AM effects: both femaleand male managers rated their own masculinity as higher than that ofsame-gender junior colleagues. Compared to their male colleagues, womenin managerial positions were more inclined to identify with successfulsame-gender colleagues. This counters explanations for the QB effect as beingdue to increased competitiveness of successful women.