When it comes to leadership, does gender matter?

• Main Author: Othman, Anwar Hasan Abdullah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Arabian Group of Journals 2012
• Subjects: HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/67657/1/67657%20-%20When%20it%20comes%20to%20leadership.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/67657/; https://www.arabianjbmr.com/kuwait_online_issues.php; https://www.arabianjbmr.com/pdfs/KD_VOL_2_3/2.pdf

Purpose – Whether men and women behave differently in leadership roles is a much-debated issue. Although there is consensus that woman, face more barriers to becoming leaders than men specifically in conservative societies and some developing countries. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the differences between male and female leadership styles. Design/methodology/approach – Theory and literature were important to understanding the data in this study. The study utilizes the pervious literature review with an overview of male and female leadership styles to analysis the similarities and differences among gender leadership. Findings – These pressures toward similarity of male and female leaders make it likely that any differences in the leadership styles of women and men are relatively small. As an answer to the question of this paper whether there is a difference between men and women’s leadership style is yes. The findings of this study therefore, revealed that women leadership styles can be more effective and productive in today’s less hierarchical organizations, as well as women leaders are participatory and collaborative in nature. Research limitations/ Implementation- The outcome of this study only rely on the theoretical analysis based on the pervious study form Western and Eastern school. Thus, the study may get different result with the empirical study that comprises quantities and qualitative analysis in our community. The implication of the study will practically help the organization in making their decision to select their leader since this study provides information and prior knowledge about the leadership concept. Originality/value – The paper is an initial attempt to congregate knowledge about the difference of gander leadership style. Therefore, this study will add to the body of knowledge as it can be a useful reference to other researchers who are keen to carry out studies on women leadership style and work in different cultural settings.