Perceived social influence of allied men drives their ability to communicate respect to women in male-dominated fields

Abstract

Three studies (N = 1,349) examined why allyship from men (vs. women) is often more impactful in decreasing women’s concerns of negative treatment within male-dominated spaces in the United States. Women anticipated more respect from their peers after a man (vs. woman), identified as a gender equality ally. Increased respect mediated women’s lower anticipation of negative workplace treatment and higher anticipation of support (Studies 1–3). This effect was driven by the belief that an allied man holds more influence within an organization than an allied woman (Study 2). Study 2 additionally contrasted allyship to workplace friendship to determine the unique impact of gender-equality allyship compared to other forms of support from peers. In Study 3, ally influence was manipulated to assess whether an ally’s ability to communicate respect to women is contingent upon perceived influence. These results indicate that the positive impact of allyship from men is due in part to the greater perceived influence of allied men and their ability to communicate respect to women.