The Leadership Styles of Women and Men

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The Leadership Styles of Women and Men Theresa Offutt Indiana Wesleyan University Joanne Barnes, EdD ADM 201 – Principals of Self-Management September 17, 2012 The Leadership Styles of Women and Men Leadership is defined as a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent (Leadership). The role of leadership in an organization is determined by the culture of the company and based on the manager’s beliefs, values and assumptions will have major influence over their decisions. A good leader sees the best in people and figures out what it takes to motivates the individuals. Leadership and Gender Styles Leadership Roles Leadership roles used to be intended only for men. Traditionally, gender made it impossible for women to become leaders in any industry. Still, today males account for the majority of leadership functions. Furthermore, women face more barriers than men do to get a leadership role, especially if it is within a male dominated environment. As women increasingly enter leadership roles, which have been traditionally occupied largely by men, the possibility that the leadership styles of women and men differ continues to attract attention (Eagly and Johannesen-Schmidt). History and the Challenges Women Face A number of events have occurred over the last twenty-five years or so that have resulted in the rise of the female in the working world. Some factors that can contribute to women going to business school and earning degrees are the need for a second income. Typically, throughout history men have been the breadwinners in a family unit. Women in the past typically did more of the upkeep of the home and did not bring in an additional income. When they did bring an income, it was usually in some lesser complimentary role to
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