Women and leadership Sample Clauses

Women and leadership. Women face significant barriers to achieve leadership roles. The literature points out that women are often perceived as indecisive, emotional and more risk-averse while men are thought to be decisive and self-confident (Xxxxxxx, 1997). Xxxxx and Xxxx (2011) touch upon the literature on gender differences and bring in evidence different behavioral attitudes between men and women. Female leaders demonstrate more transformational leadership styles while male leaders are more likely to be transactional in their leadership behaviour (Xxxxx and Xxxx, 2011). Men tend to regard themselves as separate from others while women are more likely to be connected with others. These differences are carried over into their leadership styles and are inherent to men and women. Men are more attracted by competition and predisposed to focus on self-interest whereas women are more relationship oriented. In fact, women are less competitive which means that fewer women will be eager to participate in a highly competitive environment. Women are often perceived as more interactive and focused on the human which would facilitate participation and communication and they are generally more conscientious and a perfectionist in performing their tasks. Male leadership is generally characterised by a focus on task achievement and performance while female leaders are expected to focus on interpersonal relations and work satisfaction (Xxxxxxxx et al., 2012). The integration of women can therefore balance the positions taken by the board of directors (OECD, 2012). However, research suggests that traits associated with men are more highly valued and desirable in the actual society as seen as necessary for board positions, this presents a barrier for women (Xxxxxxx, 1997). Consequently, to enter a male-dominated world women acquire male characteristics as they progress towards top management positions.