Measuring the queen bee syndrome
Scale development and validation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24231682 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yuan-Yuan Chan (0000-0003-4314-8091, University of Massachusetts Boston), Jin Feng Uen (0000-0001-5928-9847, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-26 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-27 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Equal Opportunities International (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/edi-09-2025-0640 |
| OpenAlex | W7204276408 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 40 |
Purpose This study develops and validates the Woman Subordinates Perceived Woman Supervisors' Queen Bee Syndrome Scale (SPQBS), a direct, experience-based measure of women supervisors' queen bee syndrome (QBS) grounded in woman subordinates' perception. Design/methodology/approach First, in-depth interviews with woman subordinates informed inductive item generation. Second, an exploratory factor analysis (N = 205) identified the construct's dimensions. Third, a two-wave survey validated the scale via confirmatory factor analysis (N = 309) and tests of criterion-related validity (N = 204). Findings The SPQBS includes five dimensions: alienated relationship, constrained delegation, ineffective communication, ineffective mentoring and constrained development. Each dimension includes three items; thus, the construct comprises 15 items in total. Originality/value The mainstream quantitative studies on QBS have used indirect measures, such as feminine and masculine self-descriptions or increased stereotypical perceptions, labeling women with these features as queen bees without a solid theoretical or phenomenal foundation. SPQBS provides a new way to directly measure QBS by examining woman subordinates' perspectives. This measure has the potential to enrich literature on leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces.
gender stereotypes in leadership · ineffective communication · leadership perceptions · measurement validation · queen bee syndrome · scale development · women supervisors · Gender and Feminist Studies · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior
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| Highly cited | No |
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