Gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and attractiveness of leadership positions: a survey among radiologists from Germany

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and options to increase the attractiveness of leadership positions in radiology.

Materials and Methods

A validated questionnaire with 66 questions was distributed via the German Roentgen Society and individually sent to 4,500 radiologists in Germany. Participants were asked about their gender. Personality dimensions were assessed using the OCEAN (Big Five) model. Multivariable regression analyses were employed.

Results

Of 510 included participants (women 237 (46.5%)), men were four times more likely to have acquired an associated professorship (AP, Habilitation Privatdozent) ((odds ratio (OR) 4.39 (2.22–8.67)). Also, they planned to achieve an AP more frequently (OR 2.87 (1.47–5.61)). The only gender-specific motivator for an AP was the option to become eligible for the position of chief physician (men OR 2.56 (1.07–6.15)). Mentors increased the probability of acquiring an AP (OR 2.07 (1.13–3.80)) or striving for an AP (4.82 (2.39–9.73)). Female mentees were likelier to have female mentors (OR 4.62 (1.68–12.73)). To increase the attractiveness of leadership positions, female radiologists perceived gender balance at the management level (OR 3.32 (2.28–4.82)), top sharing (OR 2.22 (1.48–3.32)), and better work-life balance (OR 2.02 (1.19–3.43)) as more relevant than male radiologists. More pronounced openness (OR 1.62 (1.10–2.38)) and extroversion (OR 1.45 (1.07–1.97)) were positively associated with planning an AP. More pronounced agreeableness (OR 0.67 (0.50–0.91)) was negatively associated.

Conclusions

Research motivation is mainly independent of gender. Academic qualification varies with gender and personality dimensions. Mentoring, female role models, top sharing, and better work-family compatibility could motivate women to pursue academic leadership.

Key Points

• Male radiologists are more frequently motivated to pursue an associated professorship by the option of becoming a chief physician.

• Openness and extroversion make pursuing an associated professorship more likely.

• Role models at the management level, top sharing, and flexible work time are more important for female radiologists.

Citation Format

• Molwitz I, Kemper C, Stahlmann K et al. Gender- and personality-specific differences in academic qualifications, research motivation, and attractiveness of leadership positions: a survey among radiologists from Germany. Rofo 2025; 197: 926–935

Keywords

Radiology - Research Priorities - Career Choice - Gender Equality - Personality Assessment

Publication History

Received: 26 March 2024

Accepted after revision: 28 August 2024

Article published online:
16 October 2024

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