When gender is more likely to predict pay via self‐enhancement values and working hours: The role of country's level of gender inequality

Building upon situational strength and biosocial constructionist theories, we test the indirect effect of gender on pay via self‐enhancement values (e.g. power and achievement) and working hours. We also examine the moderating role of country‐level inequality on that mediated link. The results of multilevel regressions with 16,352 respondents nested in 28 European countries support the hypotheses that men are more likely to prioritise self‐enhancement values, to work more hours than women and consequently receive higher earnings. The indirect effect of gender on pay via self‐enhancement values and working hours was stronger for gender‐equal countries. The link between gender and working hours was moderated by country‐level inequality. In gender‐equal countries, the differences in working hours for men and women were larger than in gender‐unequal countries. We discuss the implications of our findings for creating policies that promote gender equality in salary.