Gender, women and leadership

Abstract

abstract There is an ongoing debate which focuses on the question of whether women have different leadership styles from men. This article offers an overview of current perspectives on gender and leadership. Two opposing views of women and leadership are presented: Firstly, the view that there is little difference between women and men in leadership and secondly, the opposing argument that women have different leadership styles from men. The article suggests that the dominant view is that there are gender differences in leadership styles. It then examines explanations for these differences. By pointing to research on institutional culture, men and masculinities, it argues that gender differences in leadership are not reducible to biological differences, nor can these be adequately explained by socialisation practices and sex roles. Instead, we need to look at how some forms of gendered behaviours become dominant and privileged within organisational contexts that are masculinist. Finally, it is suggested that feminine attributes may provide a source of alternative leadership more appropriate for a new morality.