Abstract
Qualitative data from 22 women and 18 men managers and their secretaries were analyzed to provide insights into gender differences in managerial styles. Traditional management style topologies, based largely on studies of men's behaviors, were called into question. Using an approach that allowed other topologies to emerge from the data, the respondents perceived that women were both task and people oriented, while men appeared image engrossed and autonomy invested. Respondents reported a strong preference for their gender-appropriate model and misunderstanding, even exasperation, with those using the alternative approach. The existence of such different models, especially if unrecognized, would place women at a disadvantage, since their success as managers is usually assessed by men who are likely to have a strong preference for the male-typed approach. The findings also suggest possible modifications to existing measures of managerial styles, particularly a consideration of image-engrossed approaches. Future research is suggested to further explore and confirm these findings.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barnard, C. The functions of the executive. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1938.
Bartol, K. R. Male vs. female leaders. Academy of Management Journal, 1974, 17, 225–233.
Bernard, J. The female world. New York: The Free Press, 1981.
Blanchard, K., & Johnson, S. One-minute manager: The quickest way to increase your own prosperity. New York: Berkley Books, 1982.
Brown, L. K. Women and business management. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 1979, 5, 267–288.
Cann, C. H. Women, organizations and power: Structural and individual perspectives. In M. Barrett & S. Collins (Eds.), Proceedings from Women and Work Conference. Arlington, TX: University of Texas at Arlington, 1984.
Deaux, K. Self evaluations of male and female managers. Sex Roles, 1979, 5, 571–580.
Feldberg, R. L., & Glenn, E. N. Male and female: job versus gender models in the sociology of work. Social Problems, 1979, 26, 524–538.
Ferber, M., Huber, J., & Spitze, G. Preference for men as bosses and professionals. Social Forces, 1979, 58, 466–476.
Fiedler, F. E. A theory of leadership effectiveness. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967.
Gilligan, C. In a different voice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1982.
Harlan, A., & Weiss, C. Moving up: Women in managerial career ladders. Working paper No. 86. Wellesley College Center for Research and Women, Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Hennig, M., & Jardim, A. The managerial woman. New York: Pocket Books, 1977.
Jurik, N., & Halemba, G. Gender, working conditions and job satisfaction of women in a nontraditional occupation: Female corrections officers in men's prisons. Sociological Quarterly, 1984, 25, 551–566.
Kanter, R. M. Men and women of the corporation. New York: Basic Books, 1977.
Kanter, R. M. The change masters: Innovations for productivity in the American corporation. New York: Simon and Shuster, 1983. (a)
Kanter, R. M. Women managers: Moving up in a high tech society. In Jennie Farley (Ed.), The woman in management: career and family issues. New York: ILR Press, Cornell University, 1983. (b)
Korn, and Ferry. Korn and Ferry international's profile of women senior executives. Los Angeles, CA: Korn and Ferry, 1982.
Likert, R. Human organization: Its management and value. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967.
Maccoby, E., & Jacklin, C. The psychology of sex differences. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1974.
McGregor, D. The human side of enterprises. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960.
Meeker, B. F., & Weitzel-O'Neil, P. A. Sex roles and interpersonal behavior in task-oriented groups. American Sociological Review, 1977, 42, 91–104.
Miller, J. Individual and occupational determinants of job satisfaction. Sociology of Work and Occupations, 1980, 7, 337–366.
Molloy, J. Women's dress for success book. New York: Warner, 1978.
Moses, J., & Boehm, V. Relationship of assessment-center performance to management process of women. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1975, 60, 527–529.
Nickeles, E., & Ashcraft, L. The coming matriarchy: How women will gain the balance of power. New York: Seaview Books, 1981.
Nieva, V. R., & Gutek, B. A. Women and work: A psychological perspective. New York: Praeger, 1981.
Parsons, T., and Bales, R. (Eds.), Family, socialization, and interaction process. Glencoe, Il.: The Free Press, 1955.
Riger, S., & Gilligan, P. Women in management: An exploration of competing paradigms. American Psychologist, 1980, 35, 902–910.
Risman, B. J. A theoretical note on gender: Toward a structuralist perspective of intimate relationships. Paper presented to the American Sociological Association, Washington, D.C., 1985.
Rosen, B., & Jerdee, T. Perceived sex differences in managerially relevant characteristics. Sex Roles, 1978, 4, 837–843.
Rosener, L. Alpha and beta leadership styles. Mimeo. Stanford Research Institute, Stanford, CA, 1980.
Rubin, L. Intimate strangers. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1983.
Sagaria, M. A. The managerial skills and experiences of men and women administrators: similarities and differences. Journal of Educational Equity and Leadership, 1985, 5, 19–30.
Smith, H., & Grenier, M. Sources of organizational power for women: Overcoming structural obstacles. Sex Roles, 1982, 8, 733–746.
South, S., Bonjean, C., Corder, J., & Markham, W. Sex and power in the federal bureaucracy: A comparative analysis of male and female supervisors. Work and Occupations, 1982, 9, 233–254.
Stogdill, R. M. Handbook of leadership: A survey of theory and research. New York: The Free Press, 1974.
Stryker, S. Symbolic interactionism: A social structural version. Menlo Park, CA: Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, 1980.
Terborg, J. Women in management: A research review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 1977, 62, 647–664.
West, C. Why can't a woman be more like a man?” Work and Occupations, 1982, 9, 5–29.
White, R., & Lippitt, R. Leader behavior and member reaction in three ‘social climates.’ Īn D. Cartwright & A. Zander (Eds.), Group dynamics: Research and theory (3rd ed.). New York: Harper & Row, 1968.
Wood, M., & Greenfield, S. Women managers and fear of success: A study in the field. Sex Roles, 1976, 2, 375–387.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Statham, A. The gender model revisited: Differences in the management styles of men and women. Sex Roles 16, 409–430 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289552
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289552