Effects of Psychological Gender and Sex-Incongruent Behavior on Evaluations of Leadership

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of psychological gender on evaluations of leadership performance by a male and a female manager described as using either supportive or nonsupportive nonverbal communication with a male subordinate in a problem-solving interview. The psychological gender of the evaluators was measured using Spence and Helmreich's Personal Attributes Questionnaire. Contrary to the finding of previous investigations, psychological gender did not affect evaluations of the nontraditional sex-role behaviors exhibited by the male and female managers. A main effect was found for the manager's nonverbal communication and for the sex of the subject. The results of the study provide qualified support for the expectation that supportive nonverbal communication would be judged as more considerate than nonsupportive nonverbal communication.