Sex Differences among Business Graduates on Fear of Success and Fear of Appearing Incompetent as Measured by Objective Instruments

Abstract

Sex differences in fear of success and fear of appearing incompetent among graduating business students ( ns = 162 males, 113 females) were investigated using the objective measures described by Good and Good in 1973. No sex differences in fear of success emerged, but females showed a significantly greater fear of appearing incompetent than males. A significant positive moderate correlation of .54 exists between fear of success and fear of appearing incompetent. Caution is urged in attempts toward universal application of research involving these constructs.