Capturing Perceived Gendered Expectations in the Workplace: Development and Validation of the ‘Perfection Bias’ Scale

Abstract

Research showed that, in the workplace, women have to meet more requirements than men, a phenomenon that has been labelled ‘perfection bias’. In the current research, we developed and validated a tool to capture individuals’ perceptions of such a phenomenon and its association with women's well-being. In Study 1 (N = 150 women), we identified a one-factor structure of the scale. Study 2 (N = 360 women) replicated the structure of the scale, while Study 3 extended this evidence in a sample of men (N = 471). Study 4 (N = 335 women and men employees) showed that women's higher awareness of being targets of a perfection bias at work was negatively related to their well-being. Overall, the measure developed provides a new tool to examine a specific facet of gender discrimination. Findings might provide useful insights for stakeholders and policymakers to raise awareness concerning gendered expectations and enhance workplace equality.