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Abstract
The study investigated the impact of gendered ideology, identity, efficacy, and climate on career persistence for women in the STEM industry. The study used role congruity theory to describe perceived disparity in congruence between gender roles for women and the role of scientist. The study also investigated the importance of identity compatibility (compatibility between self and discipline) on career persistence. Results indicated both role congruence and identity compatibility significantly predicted persistence. Women demonstrated significantly less role congruence (greater disparity perceived in two roles) compared to men, yet there appeared to be no significant difference between women and men in terms of identity compatibility. A partial mediator, efficacy was also investigated. Multi-group analyses revealed marginal support for the mediated model, where women demonstrated greater efficacy compared to men. Lastly, climate perceptions also significantly predicted persistence. In sum, congruence, compatibility, as well as efficacy offered insight into womens persistence in sometimes incongruent STEM career paths.