Member Reaction to Male and Female Leaders in Two Types of Group Experience

Abstract

Abstract Member perceptions of male and female group leaders who served as consultants in Tavistock study groups or trainers in T-groups were studied by questionnaire report. The general premise that reactions to male and female leaders would vary as a function of social context and consequent leader style was confirmed. Three of five leader dimensions showed effects of interaction between leader gender and type of group. Differences, however, were not in the expected direction. Female T-group trainers were perceived as least competent and least potent, and male trainers were most positively valued. Consistent with expectations, T-group trainers were seen as more emotional and supportive. These findings are related to prior clinical and research reports of generally negative reactions to female group leaders and to theoretical propositions concerning the basis for such reactions in culturally predominant socialization experiences in western European and North American societies.