Gender differences in perceived leadership effectiveness in Hong Kong

Emerald - Tập 20 Số 4 - Trang 216-233 - 2005
IreneHau‐Siu Chow1
1Department of Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Tóm tắt

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore empirically how female and male managers describe their perceived leadership qualities in an Asian context.Design/methodology/approachA total of 171 middle managers in telecommunications and financial services in Hong Kong were surveyed. Three sets of survey data – leader attributes, societal culture, and organizational practices – were collected from independent samples of respondents.FindingsThe results provide valuable insights into the function of leadership behavior in a Chinese community. Irrespective of the sex of the person making the direct report, perceived attributes in rating managers showed no substantial differences. Females projected a more favorable image of leaders than their male counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is that the gender of the leader respondent pairs is not known and no attempt was made to distinguish between the characteristics of male and female leaders, but only to reflect the perceptions of male and female direct reports.Practical implicationsDespite the limitation of small sample size, the results from the present study will provide some significant implications for firms in recruiting managerial talent and achieving gender equality in employment.Originality/valueRegarding the responsibilities to enable women to be valued for leadership qualities, organizations could provide opportunities for women to contribute and excel in using their leadership potential in management.

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Emerald

Tập 20 Số 4

216-233

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