Differences Between Male And Female Leadership Styles

RUNNING HEAD: Differences between male and female leadership styles. 1

Differences between Male and Female Leadership Styles.

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Differences between male and female leadership styles. 2

Abstract

Leadership may be defined as the guidance potential of individuals who guide a group of

followers and the ability to lead a collective group of people. It involves establishing a clear

vision and sharing the same vision with the members, such that the goals and objectives to be

achieved are uniform and homogenous throughout the group. Leadership does not only pertain to

sharing the idea but also helps in the provision of the information and the knowledge capacity

that is needed to realize the common goals.

Leadership can be defined in a comprehensive manner to be the procedure using which

an individual makes activities which become a motivation for people working for achieving

some common goals. Matters such as the relationship of gender in the field of leadership have

been a major topic of discussion. More and more women today are a part of the workforce

nationally and internationally. The research continues to discuss and find whether women leaders

have some unique leading styles. The role of gender and different styles of leadership are related

in a unique way.

As per the theories femininity in leadership is more oriented towards people while the

masculinity is more tasks oriented in its approach. This area has drawn a lot of attention and

questions have been raised whether leadership style is differentiating male and female leaders.

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 3

Proposal

Leadership can be defined as efforts where the manager can motivate the subordinates to

make voluntary efforts to achieve their objectives and targets set by the organization both work.

Leaders have the complete ability to make influences. Such influences can be either a direct one

or an indirect one. Organizations today need effective leaders who understand every complexity

of the changing work requirement. Leaders who are democratic and efficient take employees

seriously and engage them in the various work related decisions. All such definitions are simple,

yet they involve a larger concept.

One big challenge leaders in an enterprise face are to make sure the transformations

brought by them are permanent and can be applied to a larger heterogeneous group. Some of the

dimensions covered by the leader are setting goals, organization, control, direction and

interrelationship associated with communication, support, active listening, and interaction.

Professional Significance of this study

In leadership, the difference in gender is a collection of male or female-centric qualities

which is culturally formed. Here, gender has been differentiated from sex, and these are

biological characteristics. Conditions related to male are characterized to be independent,

aggressive, logical, object-oriented, analytical, rational, confident, decisive, ambitious, assertive,

impersonal and opportunistic. It is entirely different that the female gender qualities. Female sex

classes are closer to be emotional, cooperative, sensitive, and warm, expressive, receptive to new

ideas, intuitive, talkative, tactful, empathetic, gentle and submissive.

The relationship between the role of gender and leadership style has been studied by

researchers. The main aim of this project is to identify and explore the gender differences among

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 4

the male and female leaders working within the organizations. The important significance of this

project is aimed to describe and explore some important points such as follows:

 Gender differences between male and female leaders across organizations

 Leadership styles and traits adopted by male and female leaders

 Impact of sex differences of leaders on organizations

 Need of male and female leaders for groups.

Research Question

1. What are gender differences seen among male and female leaders across the

organizations?

2. What impact do leadership gender differences show up on group success?

3. Why organizations need male and female leaders?

Search Process

In order to fulfill the proposed scope and justify the significance of the study, I will refer

and conduct critical research on recent journals, case studies, books and articles published on

gender differences among male and female leaders and their role played in organizations success.

The integrated literature review will be conducted that explores the fundamental views and

opinions of different authors and scholars on gender differences seen among male and female

leaders. Even though there are certain literature gaps identified in this study, still the research

questions and scope will be justified by evaluating and investigating different research studies on

gender differences among male and female leaders of the organizations.

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 5

Literature Review

There have been scholars who also argue that about leadership behaviors there occur no

gender differences in between females and males. In fact, many studies have shown that there

has been the same kind of approach which is task oriented as well as people geared in both male

and female leaders. Some studies have been made by many eminent researchers. Researchers

have found that almost little, and virtually no difference exists, and there exist no dissimilarities

in the various leadership effectiveness, competencies, and style of leaders of both the genders.

Using this literature review, I would like to discuss and present different researcher opinions on

gender differences among leaders and justify the role played by male and female leaders in

organization success. The table below shows the gender differences among male and female

leaders (Eagly,2007).

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 6

Gender Differences among Male and Female Leaders

It has been assumed that role of the gender is a crucial personality attribute and this

makes an influence on their individual style of leading teams. Hence leadership can be said to be

having a masculine dimension and a feminine side. Both affects how people work and brings a

change in their lives (Chaluvadi, 2015). Men are considered to be dominating in various

leadership positions. Research also has witnessed women be dominating in these real leadership

positions as well. The style of leading teams by women is quite different than the male leaders.

There is observed more free feel in women based leadership styles in comparison to that of men.

A Meta –analysis made in these studies showed that women leaders use a

transformational style of leadership unlike the majority of male leaders. Male gender qualities

are more impersonal, oriented towards the task and has a transactional style of leadership while

female qualities of genders are more towards the relationship, nurturing and people oriented. A

participative style of leadership is showed by women. The transformational leadership style

which is showcased by the women gender is evolved in them through socialization. In such

socialization building communication, relationship, influence building, consensus building and

working together in the team is its primary purpose (Chin, 2013).

Thus, femininity has been said to be having a direct correlation with transformational

leadership. Additionally, more 104 studies have been made. The primary focus of these studies

has been on transformational leadership. Such studies show that the way perceives themselves as

well as their work is using transformational leadership styles more than what men do (Hasan &

Othman, 2013). The similarity which occurs in the leadership behaviorism is more than the

many differences which exist. Both the styles are completely capable. There occur no differences

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 7

in gender roles in matters of an efficiency of the self, monitoring of the person, commitments of

the manager and their effectiveness. This is about a progression of one's salary, appraisals of

performance and progress based on the hierarchy. Studies have examined gender roles in various

leadership positions in US enterprises. The way women managers delegate is not more than their

male counterparts (Conner & Davis, 2016).

However, the various direction, consultation, and participation made in the different types

of leadership are different. Eagly (2007) acknowledged that the similarities are much more than

the distinctions in the behavior of the manager, their leadership styles, etc. (Figure 2) shows that

in some other research made showcases that the behavior and leadership style of both male and

females are changed. Authors have made recommendations that although one can see a similarity

in the behavior of women and men, women has a much more tyrannical and participative

approach. Moreover, in this type of an approach liberal feminism represented shows that it is not

biology on which gender differences are based.

In common humanity men and women are similar. Hence, the biological distinctions can

be ignored if one wishes to achieve equality of gender in work-based opportunities (Jonsen &

Maznevski, 2013). Men historically have been considered to be suiting more to be leaders than

women. The gender stereotyping which exists conventionally is the reason why there is a growth

of negative conceptions about female leaders. Studies show that across various groups of people

men and women have some similar differences like their education, age, sex and marital status.

For women, the role of the leader is a bit problematic. It is because in general people who are

managers or leaders are totally a different genre than what a woman in general is.

Evidence have time and again showed that what the image of a leader portrays matches

more that of a man and not a woman. The various characteristics of a man which is conventional

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 8

are active than what a female showcases as its features. The traditional picture of men is

showcased to be more forceful, achievers, emotionally stable, competent, active, rational and

independent. Women are on a contrasting lack such traits (Block & Crawford, 2013).

In many types of research made by Gaytan (2014), they have been found that the various

characteristics found in women leaders are famous and this is what makes them different than

men. For instance, these confident and talented women keep the value of human ethics and

relationships in a high position. And this is the reason they bring great success in the

organization they work in because organizations are based on the quality of relationships that

exists within. Also, women like to make direct communications and them also very comfortable

and flexible with diversities (De Hoogh, Den Hartog, & Nevicka, 2015).

They have no problem with new sets of eyes and hence have no problem with outsiders.

Women leaders also are not willing to make their lives like compartments. Hence, they also

bring every personal experience of theirs into the work they do. They are not much admired or

hierarchies. They prefer leading the organization from the central position rather than top to

bottom hierarchical setups. Their way to response to privileges and perks are also distinctive than

men. Women leaders also make questions about the big picture of the work they are associated

with and try knowing their value in it (Chin, 2013).

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 9

The table below shows the leadership styles attributed to men and women (Eagly, 2007).

Studies of Del Maestro Filho & Karine Mireille de Almeida Borges (2015) also show that

there are four specific characteristics in women leaders. Firstly, they are persuasive in nature in

comparison to their male counterparts. Secondly, when they rejected such adversities make

women leaders learn more. Thirdly, women leaders make team building, decision making and

leadership style including their whole team. Fourthly, leaders who are women help to ignore the

rules and are active about taking risks. Here to define organizational context one can say that

there are many factors which improve the salient features of female leaders.

Hence, traditionally in a masculine environment the positions and the codes of conduct

are males dominated while it is femaleness amongst the female leaders. Such traditional concepts

are taking a lot of time and are facing a lot of resistances for changing. The work culture defines

the productivity of the organization regarding space and performance. The organizational culture

pertains to the methods that are applied to attain the objectives that have been identified. That is

why the merger of the leadership style and the organizational culture is essential for the growth

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 10

of the organization. The employees may wish to please their managers and grow into a

comfortable space (Hasan & Othman, 2013).

Stereotyping is the reason why genders are considered to be having a dominant impact on

leadership styles. It is also the reason why rejections occur in the various leadership styles based

on gender biases. Such stereotyping changes the perception about the performance of leaders

than their actual performances (Hasan & Othman, 2013).

As per Chin (2013), the traditional stereotyped genders analysis showed that there occurs

a deficit of attributes in women which are needed for managerial or leadership success. There

occurs a negative opinion about women in leadership positions in various organizations all over

the world. The various stereotypes are of the view that the capability of women is lesser than the

men leaders. A person that has an attitude towards the traditional role of genders refuses women

leaders more. These are the individuals who envision women in the role of mothers and

homemakers only.

Such conventional people cannot accept position allocations made in between men and

females. They are not comfortable in allowing women in leading positions. When the gender

stereotypes of general background apply these ideologies in their work settings, then it causes an

effect on the female leaders and subordinates working in the team. Hence, even if today the

number of women in the work environment dominated by the male has increased yet, this does

not change much in the context of an organization (Parveen & Tariq, 2014).

In the recent years, gender differences and their impact on the leadership styles have been

the most studied and reviewed subjects. Is truly there exists any difference when it comes to

implying leadership styles in between the two genders and are they in any manner related to each

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 11

other? Such a question gives us an insight why we see so fewer women leaders in the world

around us. A significant portion of the workforce is comprised of women today. But in the first

leading administrative positions, we witness fewer women. Researchers and studies reveal that

they have an inherent lack of holding on to these top positions (De Hoogh, Den Hartog, &

Nevicka, 2015).

Therefore, it can be reasoned to be due to their individual leadership style. Today it is the

need of organizations to keep their leadership styles modifying consistently and accommodating

as well. Women to face the diverse challenges in these organizations have to adapt to much more

diversified managerial roles (Conner & Davis, 2016).

Types of Leadership Styles Adopted by Men and Women Leaders.

There are exist different styles of leadership that is depending upon the kind of the work

environment. Each leadership style also encases its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of

the leadership style to be applied depends upon the different internal and external conditions that

impact the company. Many organizations include different leadership styles in the same

company but in different departments owing to the different leadership style requirements as

posed by the functions (Block & Crawford, 2013).

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 12

There are many leadership styles as shown below:

Leadership Style

Description

Participative

Style (Men Leaders)

It is also called as the democratic leadership style in which

the inputs of all the team members are imperative to the decision

that is to be taken. It is an important factor for boosting the

morale of the employees. This style is best applied by men

leaders when the employees need to be engaged in the operations,

though the final decision-making authority lies with the Manager

(Jonsen & Maznevski, 2013).

Transactional

Style (Men and Women

Leaders)

This form of leadership is related to the awards and

recognition that a team member is given, based on performance.

Predetermined goals are established, and the group focuses on

performance wherein the employees are bound to follow the

directives given (Chin, 2013).

Transformational

(Women Leaders pose

this style much when

compared with men

leaders)

This leadership style is highly dependent on

communication. The leaders follow the task of motivating the

employees which enhance the productivity through visibility and

communication. Leaders, in this leadership style, focus on

achieving goals whereas the smaller tasks are further delegated to

the employees (Kolodziejczyk, 2014).

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 13

Laissez-faire

(Male leaders)

There is no direct supervision of the employees, and no

feedback mechanism is defined. Employees who need to be

constantly supervised cannot be subjected to this style of

leadership (Hasan & Othman, 2013).

Autocratic (Men

leaders)

The managers are responsible for decision making

whereas the employees are bound to follow the directives without

any participation in the decision-making process. The complete

authority of decision making rests with the managers, and they

impose their will on the employees (Parveen & Tariq, 2014).

Factors Affecting Leadership Styles of Men and Women Leaders

There are various factors that influence the leadership styles that need to be applied to an

organization. The primary reasons that impact the choice of leadership styles are:

The Skills of the Manager:

Understanding the abilities of the manager is essential. The manner in which the manager

can handle the situation defines the best-suited leadership style. Effectiveness in leadership

depends upon knowledge and competence (Block & Crawford, 2013).

Employees:

The nature and type of employees to be controlled are also detrimental to the success of

the leadership style that is being applied. Information technology businesses attract new hires,

and traditional businesses need conventional employee force. A horizontal flow of ideas in

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 14

innovation is well suited to an organization that functions under the participative leadership and

change management is beast carried out under the autocratic leadership (Block & Crawford,

2013).

Type of Business:

The kind of activity also determines the leadership role. A business that needs to apply

quick business decisions due to crises requires transactional leadership. On the other hand,

expansion of business would be best settled under participative leadership. Rigorous sales are

best performed in Transactional leadership, and sales targets are compensated for as incentives

and bonuses (Kolodziejczyk, 2014).

Communication Channels:

Effective leadership is impacted by the flow of communication. In the companies that

apply downward communication, the autocratic leadership style is best used. Similarly,

transformational leadership is best suited to businesses that maintain and efficient feedback

mechanism (De Hoogh, Den Hartog, & Nevicka, 2015).

Effects of Gender Differences on Leadership Styles of Leaders

Each leadership style that is applied has certain effects that it lends to the employees and

the organizational culture. A brief is given below:

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 15

Leadership

Style

Impacts

Autocratic

leadership by Male

Leaders

The distinction between leaders and employees is clearly

defined. Therefore, the levels of employee dissatisfaction can be

higher in this leadership style. The Less creative scope is allowed. It

makes the employees feel bound to decisions, they may not justify

and de-motivates the workforce (Hasan & Othman,2013).

Participative

leadership by Female

Leaders

Considered to the best-applied style of leadership,

participative leadership is based on offering guidance to the teams. It

keeps the workforce motivated and helped them engage in the

decision-making of the company. While leaders can assume to be in

the decision-making role, the input from the employees helps them

also be a part of the strategic decision-making process (Wolfram,

2014).

Laissez-Faire

Leadership

This style is the less efficient as leaders play a minimal role. It

can stress the employees who are in turn held responsible for

performance and decision making as well. Such practice can place

the employees in adverse work environments where the leaders sit

idle in, and the workforce is overworked (Chin, 2013).

Importance of Male and Female Leadership Traits for Organizations

According to Conner & Davis (2016), participative leadership and transactional

leadership skills adopted by male and female leaders are the models of leadership that would

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 16

enhance the performance the organization. Participative leadership skills of women leaders

would increase the engagement of the employees in the decision-making process, and the

Transactional leadership model of male leaders would enhance the performance with rewards

and recognition that is offered to the employees.

The various factors that can be used to assess the leadership style are: (Del Maestro Filho

& Karine Mireille de Almeida Borges, 2015).

 Communication flow and effectiveness

 Level of delegation of work and responsibility

 Overall organizational behavior and work culture

 Monitoring the frequency and quality of communication

 Time management skills that are used

 Should be the appropriateness of the decision-making skills

Leadership can be enhanced over a period of self-managed learning and individual

assessment of the leadership competencies. After an evaluation, the following courses of action

to improve leadership skills can be applied.

Delegation:

Effective leadership can be greatly enhanced with the delegation. It refers to the

allocation of tasks to the right people with suitable competencies. Identifying the right employee

for work to be carried out is representative of effective leadership. On the other hand, it is also

essential to be a delegate a certain amount of decision-making authority along with the work. A

good leader should also be able to withdraw from the employees, authority or power, in case they

do not perform to the level of expectation (Sutter & Glätzle-Rützler, 2014).

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 17

Training:

Assigning the roles and tasks based on personal competence of the employee may not

always be applicable as it results in the segmentation of the employees. However, in order to

develop a multi-directional and multi-talented workforce, it is essential to teach and train the

employees on the skills that are lacking (Chaluvadi, 2015).

Creative and Effective Communication:

Public speaking and oration is a must for all effective leaders. Speaking would also

require encouraging the employees and motivate them (Paustian-Underdahl, Walker, & Woehr,

2014).

Effective Listening Skills:

Two-way communications are effective as compared to a single channel communication.

In order to merge as a part of the team, it is necessary for a leader/manager to listen to verbal and

non-verbal gestures of communication (Paustian-Underdahl, Walker, & Woehr, 2014).

Conclusions and Recommendations to Organizations

Leadership may either be acquired or inherent. In either case, developing effective

leadership is the key to success, both for the male and female leaders of the organization. Along

with time management and decision making skills, reshaping the organizational culture for better

performance is also suggested. In the various communications style of men and women, there

exist some psychological differences. Such differences in the mindset cause some differences in

their individual leadership style as well. A stereotyping in character thus shapes up in genders.

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 18

Many times, these gender roles develop characteristics on a negative respect as well.

Hence, for women, it becomes difficult to go beyond these personal features and get success in

such leadership and management positions. Effective leadership is essential to the organizational

growth and is defined as the role that the decision makers in the company can adapt it.

Leadership attributes can be either inborn or can be developed over a period. Reaching a level of

perfection in leadership roles needs constant evaluation and training. There are various methods

by which a self-analysis of leadership can be undertaken.

This process deals with observations that are made about the leadership styles of other

leaders. The chosen example is that of an autocratic Sales Manager in London Borough of

Southwark. This leadership has clarity of vision but restricts the two-way communication model

and relies on the delegation of work and not authority. That is why the satisfaction of the

employees under such leadership style is little, and the organizational culture is stressed.

The Companies has two types of leaders i.e. male leaders and female leaders where the

internal operations of women leaders highly involve the employees, the external side of male

leaders is consumer related and service oriented. There is a requirement of the integration

between the two types of leaders of the company. Intra-employee integration between male and

female leaders would lend an advantage to the internal organizational structure and functions. On

the other hand, the inter-organizational integration is required for the smooth flow of the

operations. Based on the requirement of the company the autocratic model of leadership is not

applicable and should be replaced with participative or transactional leadership styles.

For eliminating various biases and stereotyping of gender roles, the various enterprises

engage their efforts proactively in helping women leaders. Companies often assist them by

clearing out obstructions on their path of success. Not only does a company today prefers women

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 19

leaders to work in some of the upper managerial levels but also provide them incentives and

better benefits so that they can grow higher. If women leaders are not fostered and promoted by

the companies and the society, then it is not just discrimination but also a missed-out opportunity

from such talented leadership style.

Differences between male and female leadership styles. 20

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