Gendering science productivity gap in an R&D centre: an assessment from AMO theory

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to understand the scientific productivity gap between men and women by applying the AMO theory from a gender perspective. To achieve this objective, a case study was carried out in a Severo Ochoa R&D Centre of Excellence. A mixed methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, was used by conducting 37 interviews, 4 focus groups, and a survey of 155 researchers. The findings indicate that women perceive themselves as having lower abilities than men to fulfil their responsibilities, and despite being highly motivated both intrinsically and extrinsically, women attribute greater importance to extrinsic motivation than men, along with fewer opportunities to secure a permanent position and attain a work-life balance.