Question

In 200 words or more, Do gender and culture affect the characteristics of leadership? If so, how?

Answer 1

Culture and gender have much role to play in determining leadership characteristics. Certain factors related to culture and gender seems to play the key role. These include – gender and cultural stereotypes, role expectations, differences in power and status, ingroup - outgroup orientation and the like (Ayman & Korabik, 2010). Traditionally, there has been lesser representation of women and cultural minorities in leadership roles. In contemporary times, they have been successful in breaking the glass ceiling – although they have a long way to go before they share equal representation.

            The feminization of leadership is a recently emerging phenomenon, the impetus for which to a certain degree may be attributed to globalization. Gender-role identity and gender stereotypes have made it difficult for women to hold leadership positions. As Egaly & Karau (2002) noted, the general perception of men being more capable leaders perhaps stems from the gender roles associated with being a male member of society. A man’s gender-role is believed to be more in line with the leadership role. This results in prejudice against female leaders. Despite such prejudice, female leaders have been found to be more of transformational leaders as compared to male leaders (Salami & Ufoma, 2016). Similarly, cultural differences in leadership styles are also prominent. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions of uncertainty versus avoidance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, and power versus distance has been used in research exploring the relationship between culture and leadership styles or characteristics. A Japanese leader comes from collectivist society. His values, beliefs, and cultural norms are not in sync with the American society. Although Japanese management styles and strategies have become popular, a Japanese leader will be considered less reliable by an American audience. On the other hand, his cultural norms and values being consistent with that of Japan, he will be better able to positively influence a Japanese audience.

            An understanding of the influence of culture and gender on leadership styles will make it easier to influence one’s workforce, increase their morale and productivity. Most importantly, it will help the management to increase its diversity in the senior leadership positions. In general, we will see greater representation of women and cultural minorities in leadership positions.

References:

Ayman, R. & Korabik (2010). Why gender and culture matter? American Psychologist, 65, 157-170.

Eagly, A. H., & Karau, S. J. (2002). Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological Review, 109, 573–598. doi:10.1037/0033-295X.109.3.573

Salami, C.G.E & Ufoma, A. (2016). The Effect of Gender and Culture on Leadership styles in Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku Delta State. International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Studies, 3 (8), 25 – 40.

Please do provide your feedback.