Judging a book by its cover: The influence of physical attractiveness on the promotion of regional leaders

Authors

Leng Ling, Georgia College & State University
Danglun Luo, Sun Yat-Sen University
Guoman SHE, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2019

Publication Title

Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization

Abstract

We investigate the determinants of the promotion of Chinese municipal leaders and find that leaders with greater perceived attractiveness have a higher probability of promotion. Further exploration shows no correlation between a leader's facial traits and local economic growth under his jurisdiction. Essentially, a senior government official's look significantly affects his chance of promotion but says very little about his ability to advance the local economy. Our findings suggest that appearance-based discrimination exists when Chinese political hierarchy screens political elites.

Volume Number

158

First Page

1

Comments

© 2019 Elsevier B.V.

Last Page

14

Recommended Citation

Ling, L., Luo, D., & She, G. (2019). Judging a book by its cover: The influence of physical attractiveness on the promotion of regional leaders. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 158: 1-14.