Study in China shows gender role identity is far more significant than biological gender in determining management aspirations

Abstract

PurposeThe authors wanted to assess the relevance of gender and gender role identity in developing managerial ambitions because of the shortage of females in top positions worldwide. The Chinese context was interesting because of the rapid social changes there.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers collected data from participants attending a leadership training programme organized by three Chinese universities in Beijing in 2018. Most were from lower and middle-level managers in various government sectors from all over China. The authors distributed questionnaires with the aid of supervisors.FindingsThe study confirmed that individuals of either gender with stereotypically masculine characteristics have higher management aspirations. Results also showed people with androgynous traits tend to be more ambitious to be leaders. But female managers who perceive themselves as androgynous and masculine tend to possess higher management aspirations than females who see themselves as exhibiting feminine traits.Originality/valueThe authors of the study said the results would help companies to reach a better understanding of how to reduce the disparity in numbers of men and women in management positions.