Gender Differences in Leadership

Описание: Several researchers and observers argue that women have certain acquired traits and behaviors that suit them for relations-oriented leadership. Consequently, women leaders frequently exhibit a cooperative, empowering style that includes nurturing team members. According to this same perspective, men are inclined toward a command-and-control, task-oriented leadership style. Women find participative management more natural because they appear to feel more comfortable interacting with people.

Furthermore, it is argued that women’s natural sensitivity to people gives them an edge over men in encouraging group members to participate in decision making. As corporate leaders, women tend to place greater emphasis on forming caring, nurturing relationships with employees. When an employee falls short of expectations, women are more likely to buffer criticism by including positives.

Gender differences in communication also are reflected in leadership style. Above all, women are more likely than men to use spoken communication for building relationships and giving emotional support. Men focus more on disseminating information and demonstrating competence. Women are therefore more likely to choose a relationship-oriented leadership style. To what extent the stereotypes of men and women leaders are true is difficult to judge. Even if male and female differences in leadership style do exist, they must be placed in proper perspective.

Both men and women leaders differ among themselves in leadership style. Plenty of male leaders are relationship oriented, and plenty of women are highly task oriented. Perhaps the best approach to leadership takes advantage of the positive traits of both men and women. To compete in the global marketplace, companies need a diverse leadership team including men and women. Even if gender differences in leadership style do exist, a review of the scientific evidence indicates that they do not have a meaningful impact on leadership effectiveness.