We’re more alike than different: comparing Western and mainland Chinese women’s journeys to the C-Suite and the emotional components of their successes

Purpose This study aims to document the emotions experienced by women achieving high levels of organizational success and investigate what differences, if any, existed between C-Suite women in the West* and China** in this regard. Design/methodology/approach In total, 105 senior female leaders in Mainland China and the West participated in an in-depth electronic survey about their leadership journeys. Findings The emotional associations with the pathway to high-level positions were generally positive with gratitude, hope, excitement and pride standing out, but Western female leaders were significantly more likely to express fear and feeling overwhelmed than their counterparts, whereas significantly more Chinese female leaders reported feeling inadequate than the Western women. The Chinese sample reported directionally more positive emotions than Western ones. The Chinese women cited curiosity, joy and relief, but Western female leaders made no mention of these emotions in their leadership journeys. Originality/value Little has been published on the emotions that women experience on their way to very high-level positions. Many of these studies used other people’s perceptions of female leaders to understand their reactions to the biases and challenges facing them. This study elicited direct responses from female organizational leaders. Research comparing the journeys of Western and Chinese C-Suite women is limited. These results can be useful for educators and human resource professionals in supporting female career advancement in Mainland China and the West.