Are women better leaders than men?

Abstract

Purpose– Examines some of the reasons women remain under-represented at the top of organizations, despite developments in management thinking that appear to reward areas where women traditionally excel.Design/methodology/approach– Looks at some of the research into leadership skills and draws conclusions regarding the paucity of women in management.Findings– Considers some of the obstacles to women becoming managers to be: the attitudes of male managers, the lack of suitable role models for women, women’s reticence to network, and lack of confidence.Practical implications– Urges organizations to work harder to reduce the significance of these obstacles.Social implications– Shows how organizations – and through them society as a whole – would benefit from having more women in top jobs.Originality/value– Argues that having more women in leadership positions – that is, more positive role models – would help to give women more confidence in their ability to be great leaders and would encourage more women to push themselves forward for leadership opportunities.