Did you know that your height can have a significant impact on your income and career success? According to a study by several PhDs, every inch above average height is associated with an increase of $789 in annual income. This effect is stronger for men than for women, and for whites than for blacks. The study examined the relationship between height and income in two occupational groups: sales and management. It also proposed some possible explanations for this effect, such as the social perception of tall people as more leader-like, the psychological advantage of looking down on others, and the evolutionary association of height with power and dominance.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Applied Psychology in 2001, used data from four national surveys and controlled for various factors such as gender, age, education, and experience. The authors found that height was positively correlated with income in both groups, and that the effect was consistent across different industries and regions. They also found that the effect was partly mediated by self-esteem, confidence, and cognitive ability, which are often higher among taller people.
One of the co-authors of the study, Timothy A. Judge, said that "Height matters for career success. … Being tall is like having a college degree." He also explained that "The process of literally 'looking down on others' may cause one to be more confident. Similarly, having others 'looking up to us' may instill in tall people more self-confidence."
However, not everyone agrees with the findings of the study. Some critics have argued that height is not a causal factor, but a proxy for other variables that affect income and career success. For example, David Zweig, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of Toronto, said that "There is no evidence that taller people are smarter or have better human capital. … But they are perceived to be smarter and have better human capital."
Moreover, some experts have suggested that the height-income effect can be mitigated by effective negotiation skills, especially for shorter people who face discrimination or stereotypes in the workplace. Linda Babcock, a professor of economics at Carnegie Mellon University, said that "Negotiation is not about being nice. It's about being effective. … You have to be assertive and communicate your value."
So, what can you do if you are not blessed with a towering stature? Here are some tips from the experts:
- Dress well and groom yourself to project a professional image. - Stand up straight and maintain eye contact when interacting with others. - Speak clearly and confidently, and avoid filler words like "um" or "like". - Use positive body language and gestures to convey enthusiasm and interest. - Highlight your achievements and skills without being boastful or arrogant. - Ask for feedback and seek opportunities to improve yourself. - Be respectful and courteous to everyone, regardless of their height.
Remember, your height is not the only factor that determines your income and career success. You can still achieve your goals by working hard, being smart, and being confident. As Nancy Etcoff, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, said: "Height is a proxy for power. … In human history, the powerful were literally on top — they were the kings and queens on the thrones." But today, you can create your own throne by using your talents and abilities.
Relevant articles: - Height and Income: The Effect of Stature on Earnings in Sales and Management, Journal of Applied Psychology, 2001 - The Financial Perks of Being Tall, The Atlantic, September 23, 2023 - Your Height Has A Big Impact On Your Salary. New Research Seeks To Understand Why, Forbes, September 25, 2023 - How to Negotiate a Higher Salary Based on Your Height, Business Insider, September 26, 2023
Originally published at https://trendydigests.com on September 28, 2023.
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