Perceived Differences between Male and Female Managers

Abstract

In the past few decades, the number of women in leadership positions has been increasing, which is a sign of progressive social change. But there is still a gender imbalance in top leadership positions. There are various reasons why women are not in top leadership positions. Therefore, to see the current level of female and male leadership, 26 female and 29 male leaders were selected from seven zone department offices. 14 are zone department heads and 41 are team leaders. The quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive explanatory design, with mean, and inferential analyses using ANCOVA, while the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. According to the results of the study, in the quantitative analysis, there is no significant difference between male and female leadership; based on the result of ANCOVA P = 0.396 is greater than 0.05; both males and females show transactional leadership as male = 37.5% while the female is 38.1%. Therefore, it is not gender that affects management processes; it is the individual's ability to know the appropriate and effective way of management. So, the only noticeable difference is society's perception and lack of trust in female leadership. Social organization is dominated by men. They think that men represent the "norm" better, but women are inferior and unable to lead independently, thus, a deep awareness of society must be created.

Keywords:Leadership, Characteristics of leaders, gender role, the perceived difference

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-15-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2022