Are women better leaders than men?

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon De Mascia

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.

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Joan Marques

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to underscore the changing perceptions of leadership as a whole, and more specifically, what is appreciated in contemporary leadership practices. Design/methodology/approach This is a reflective paper based on observations on leadership skills and how these are perceived and valued today. Findings Leadership today demands qualities that are not merely to be reflected on others or situations, but that have to, first and foremost, make sense to the leader internally. Qualities and skills discussed are authenticity, wakefulness, agility, kindness, equilibrium, neuroticism, and eagerness. Practical implications This paper aims to provide food for thought to those who consider themselves leaders or aspire to become leaders, whether in formal or informal settings. Social implications The paper strives to instill deeper awareness in those who perform in leadership positions, toward treating themselves and others toward greater fulfillment and accomplishment. Originality/value The leadership qualities discussed in this paper demonstrate that leadership is not necessarily a practice in which followers and a situation have to be included. Each quality requires deep reflection and, first and foremost, pertains to self-leadership as a precursor to leadership onto others.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 575-594
Author(s):  
Siham Lekchiri ◽  
Jesse D. Kamm

Purpose This investigation examined the challenges faced by women in leadership positions in the US construction industry. The overall purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the challenges, and identify suitable practices, strategies and suggestions to support the employment and retention of women in the US construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach, the authors distributed a survey to the target audience composed of women leaders in the US construction industry, and 14 participants completed the survey. Findings The outcomes of the study revealed the following challenges: negative perceptions of women in the industry manifested through discrimination and hostility; a stressful work environment that does not promote a good work-life balance; and a lack of role models that impacts women’s retention and career development in the construction industry. Originality/value This study discusses possible strategies and recommendations for women in construction to rise through the ranks of power within the industry.


2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J Bennett

Purpose – Leadership is a complex concept that is discussed often in many books, blogs and articles, which try to identify those necessary traits to make one a leader. But leadership is ambiguous in that the characteristics that makes one a leader in one situation may not work and may even be detrimental in a similar one. Defining it is difficult, knowing it when you see it is easy. The purpose of this paper is to intend to make you aware of its complexity and your ability to become a leader yourself. Design/methodology/approach – By briefly comparing two successful but dissimilar leaders, the scope and breadth of leadership is introduced. Rather than attempting to define leadership, the paper proceeds to talk about what leadership is not, and why. It ends with an affirmation of our ability to become a leader and a “nudge” to develop those leadership skills we already possess. Findings – The paper suggests leadership is autological, something which defines itself, and that it is seen as different by every individual. It also proposes that we all have leadership traits within us and that whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we act as leaders every day. Practical implications – The thoughts this paper evokes can help those who are in leadership positions, those striving to become better leaders, and those who are not aware of their leadership potential by broadening their perspectives of leadership and our ability to attain it. Originality/value – This paper presents leadership in a unique manner, identifying its complexities while providing assurances it can be attained.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193
Author(s):  
Joan Marques

Purpose Through an overview of the perceptional evolution of progress over the past two centuries, this paper aims to review a changed, yet constructive paradigm that has emerged in business leadership. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a general review-based deliberation presenting standards of the twentieth century, the need for a shift in paradigms and the shift as it unfolds in the twenty-first century. Findings Focusing on optimal stakeholder inclusion, yet not disregarding the concept of progress in a competitive environment, this paper presents a set of interrelated leadership skills and characteristics, including a discussion about their applicability and ways to develop them. Research limitations/implications While globally applicable, the views in this paper are primarily based on the American performance environment. Practical implications Management practices would not have evolved to today’s level if we did not have the past experiences to learn from. The deliberations and insights shared in this article should be seen as a way of evaluating the path that led us to our current, multi-tiered leadership paradigm. Social implications The model presented in this article should be seen as a useful, yet incomplete set of skills and characteristics to be considered by today’s and future leaders to ensure greater stakeholder inclusion. Originality/value Within the framework of focusing on the management horizon, this paper places the driving motives of two centuries that influenced our current society alongside each other and contemplates on the necessary shifts needed to move forward.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Goleniowska

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the importance of self-esteem in individuals with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explore ways of developing self-esteem and confidence with simple techniques for parents and carers of those with learning disabilities to try. Findings – Anecdotal examples are given by a mother of a child who has Down's Syndrome. The paper outlines ways parents and professionals can increase the self-worth of individuals with a learning disability through fun play, encouraging relevant social and life skills, even safe risk taking. The paper outlines the need for accepting and praising your child for who they are as well as seeking out positive role models. Originality/value – Self-esteem and confidence are crucial ingredients in giving people with learning disabilities a sense of well-being and of beings valued member of a community. They are also key in keeping depression and loneliness at bay.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 45-47

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the advertised job profiles of lean management professionals in the USA, UK and Germany, with the aim of providing a framework of commonly required competencies. Comparing results between the three countries reveals both similarities and differences in skill preferences, for example US-based companies are far more focused on project administration, and German companies place low priority on leadership skills. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 43-45

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Leading international organizations requires a certain set of skills, which are often not evidenced in those we currently see in leadership positions. This briefing looks at what is required to be classed as an effective global leader. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 332-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cortney Baker

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of current trends with regard to women in leadership positions. Women are increasingly reported as having excellent leadership skills. In fact, women, more than men, are praised for having traits and styles that are associated with effective leadership performance. Design/methodology/approach – The design of this paper was a literature review of current research on gender differences in men and women in top leadership roles. Findings – Despite the evidence that women are capable of being top performers, women are still not attaining top-level leadership positions in comparison to their male peers. This paper will consider some of the reasons that women have difficulty in climbing the corporate ladder as well as discuss stereotyping and gender as it relates to leadership traits. Social implications – As a result of this paper, employers are encouraged to hire and promote women into their corporations top leadership positions. Originality/value – This paper further contributes to the discussion of women in leadership and the disparity that continues in having women employed in the upper echelons of corporations. The value of this paper is to provide employers further evidence that women comprise skillsets that necessary for company advancement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-132
Author(s):  
Liz Copeland

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how aspects of leadership development can be used to enhance the coaching experience and how leadership skills can be applied to the process of personal change. Design/methodology/approach – The concept of “leadership in action in your own life” is being used by the author to promote positive attitude to change during the process of coaching. Reflections on this are shared here. Findings – Leadership is a role that can be taken on by anyone when they embark on personal change and having leadership attitudes can considerably aid the coaching process. Leadership should not be thought of as something that “only other people do”. Practical/implications – Coaches should be prepared to specifically call a client to leadership in their own life, offering leadership attitudes as a way of meeting the challenge of personal change. Originality/value – This paper describes the value of explicitly using leadership and leadership attitudes in any area of personal change and development, not just in leadership development.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-26

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Want an easy question with an obvious answer? Well, here is one: “What is leadership?” Surely those in leadership positions, or those who aspire to them, will not be too tongue-tied to quickly come up with an impressive response. After all, if they need a reminder of an eloquent explanation, there are millions of articles about the subject to help them out. Let's start again. Do you want a question that is, far from being easy and obvious to answer, quite mystifying in its complexity and profundity? Well here is one: “What is leadership?” The easy answer is that there is not an easy answer. The more you delve into the intricacies of the subject, the more you get tangled up in the jungle that is leadership. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to digest format.


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