Fear of success in 214 male and female employees was tested utilizing an objective, self-report measure. Higher fear of success in females was not supported. However, significant differences were found in terms of age, ethnic background, pay levels, and years with the organization. Results indicate that the focus of future research should be on important workrelated variables which may provide more illumination than simplistic sex stereotyping in terms of "fear of success." Suggesting that women as a group suffer higher fear of success than men, given research evidence to date, is unwarranted. It seems likely and logical that success, a difficult term to define and one which is probably unique to each of us, is affected by a host of areas in our work environment, not just a fear of success. Past studies have identified many of the relevant variables, some of which were used in this study. Fear of success, while highly popular, is unable at its present stage of development to contribute much to the understanding of the complex process of motivation, achievement, and success.
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