Examining the effects of manager-subordinate gender match on managerial response to voice

In this article we examine the effects of manager-subordinate gender match on managerial response to employee voice. Drawing from social comparison theory, we propose that managers high on social comparison orientation respond more favorably to voice expressions that come from opposite-gender subordinates than to those from same-gender ones. Given the importance of social emotions to social comparison processes, we posit that gratitude can play a central role in determining managerial response to voice expressions. In two experimental studies with managers in Brazil (Study 1) and the United States (Study 2), we found consistent support for our hypothesized interactive effect of social comparison orientation and manager-subordinate gender match on managerial response to voice expressions. In addition, we found that managers' experienced gratitude mediated this effect (Study 2). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.