Description
In our textbook, it is mentioned that the gender gap in leadership is a global phenomenon whereby women are disproportionately concentrated in lower-level and lower-authority leadership positions than men (Powell & Graves, 2003 as cited in Northouse, 2022, p. 395).
The explanation that Northouse offers for this gap lies in his Leadership Labyrinth (Figure 14.1) below (Northouse, 2022, p. 395):
Source: Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed., pp. 395). Sage Publications.
After carefully examining at the Leadership Labyrinth image and evaluating it, think about different leadership styles and their effectiveness. Then, do the following:
- Explain how men and women, in leadership positions, use these skills and traits to make decisions and encourage follower-loyalty.
- Evaluate if men and women use the skills and traits in the same manner.
- Select two countries and analyze if culture plays a role in the way men and women practice their leadership style and their effectiveness.
Explanation & Answer
Please view explanation and answer below.
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Gender and Leadership Theory
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Question One
Both men and women in leadership positions use leadership theories and traits to inform
their decision and encourage follower loyalty. The three widely used leadership theories are
laissez-faire, autocratic and democratic (Northouse, 2021). For instance, using democratic
leadership styles, leaders can achieve high employee engagement. This is achieved through
encouraging team participation in decision-making. Moreover, this makes team members feel
secure enough to share their ideas and thoughts, which inspires loyalty (Northouse, 2021). In a
democratic leadership style, team members normally come together to brainstorm, encouraging
individuals to share their concerns and ideas.
Effective leaders foster teamwork by encouraging all the participants to w...
