Women’s and Men’s Authorship Experiences: A Prospective Meta-Analysis

Published in: Journal of Management — February 2025

Written by

George Banks, Lisa Rasmussen, Scott Tonidandel, Jeffrey Pollack, Mary Hausfeld, Courtney Williams and 46 others.

Summary

What we found: Our research explored gender differences in how authorship is assigned in academic publishing, gathering insights from over 3,500 researchers across 12 countries. Women reported more challenges, including frequent disputes over authorship credit, discomfort discussing contributions, and concerns about being fairly recognized. Additionally, problematic practices like "ghost authorship" (where contributors are excluded) and "gift authorship" (where undeserving names are added) were widely reported.

Why it matters: In academia, getting proper credit for research is essential for career success, yet the process is often unclear and influenced by power dynamics. Women, especially early-career researchers, face greater obstacles in receiving the recognition they deserve. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring fairness, improving collaboration, and creating a more inclusive research environment.

What next: We recommend seven practical steps to promote fair authorship, including open conversations about contributions, clear university policies, structured training, and written agreements. By making authorship decisions more transparent, we can foster a culture of integrity and support all researchers in advancing their careers.