I don’t know a single CEO who’s short. Go figure.
Link: Stature and Status: Height, Ability, and Labor Market Outcomes.
It has long been recognized that taller adults hold jobs of higher status and, on average, earn more than other workers. A large number of hypotheses have been put forward to explain the association between height and earnings. In developed countries, researchers have emphasized factors such as self esteem, social dominance, and discrimination. In this paper, we offer a simpler explanation: On average, taller people earn more because they are smarter. As early as age 3 — before schooling has had a chance to play a role — and throughout childhood, taller children perform significantly better on cognitive tests. The correlation between height in childhood and adulthood is approximately 0.7 for both men and women, so that tall children are much more likely to become tall adults. As adults, taller individuals are more likely to select into higher paying occupations that require more advanced verbal and numerical skills and greater intelligence, for which they earn handsome returns. Using four data sets from the US and the UK, we find that the height premium in adult earnings can be explained by childhood scores on cognitive tests. Furthermore, we show that taller adults select into occupations that have higher cognitive skill requirements and lower physical skill demands.
Very, very interesting paper. Thanks for sharing it. Though I’d guess that you do know people both smarter and shorter than some CEOs.
Our governor here in Indiana is one short dude…
And thus Ben reveals his heightism!
I’m dating (carbon, not speed) myself, but back in 1988 Saturday Night Live ran a great political commercial parody:
“George Washington was 6 foot 2. Abraham Lincoln was 6 foot 4. George Bush is 6 food 2. But Michael Dukakis is only 5 foot 8. Vote for George Bush. He’s taller.”
I’m curious (because my own views on this have been so passionately challenged more than once: What do you consider ‘short’?
You know Jackie, I have no idea. I know one when I see one. Probably under 5′ 9″ or something for men.
Our Prime Minister in Australia is about 5’6 and has won four elections straight. 2nd longest serving PM in Australian history.
More info on good looks and promotions here
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3678/is_200504/ai_n13617014
I don’t know Michael but we share the same last name
I believe the average height for an American male is 5’10”, so wouldn’t that qualify anything under that as short and everything over that as tall?
I have never met a woman yet that says she is looking for a short guy. And since sexual attraction is the number one facet for charisma (humor is a close second), height is inherently important.
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
Short People got no reason
To live
They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around
Tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
‘Round here
Short People are just the same
As you and I
(A Fool Such As I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It’s A Wonderful World)
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
Short People got nobody
To love
They got little baby legs
That stand so low
You got to pick ’em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin’ peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time
Well, I don’t wand no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
Don’t want no Short People
‘Round here
(5’11”) Randy Newman
Short People
TK, I’d say there are shorter women out there who might seek out shorter men. They’d still prefer that the men are taller than they are, but only slightly, rather than towering over them.
I realize you’ve only stated you haven’t met any of these women, but I’m making a more general statement that they are likely out there in the world.
Two words for short CEO: Jack Welch