The limited impact of reference groups' symbolic gender representation on willingness to coproduce

Previous literature presents a strong rationale for the positive impact of symbolic representation in coproduction contexts. However, empirical studies yield inconclusive findings indicating that meaningful effects are limited if citizens face high levels uncertainty. This article combines with signaling theory, suggesting representativeness central reference groups might reduce The theoretical framework suggests supervisors and existing coproducers positively affect citizens' willingness to coproduce. Contrary expectations, results from two preregistered factorial survey experiments (n = 2979), situated prisoner rehabilitation refugee integration, indicate gender these has impact. Only balanced exhibits treatment effect on oppose arguments representative bureaucracy literature. At least categories, is less important than expected.