More Women in Tech? Evidence from a Field Experiment Addressing Social Identity

We study the impact of using informational messaging aimed at encouraging women to seek a career in technology and resulting trade-offs for organizations pursuing recruitment strategies this kind. Our treatment, implemented through two field experiments among potential applicants five-month software-coding program targeted low-income Peru Mexico, counterbalances strong male stereotype associated with tech. Although our messages substantially increase application rates, including candidates top cognitive skill distribution, they introduce negative selection on skills, implying higher cost screening. Moreover, we observe noncognitive dimensions addressed treatment (e.g., stronger gender stereotypes traditional norms). This points barriers that preclude more from applying tech positions, as well adopting such strategy. paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business