Male and Female Leaders: Comparison of Performance and Behavior Patterns

Abstract

This study examined similarities and differences in behavior patterns and skills of male and female leaders ( n = 32) under four standardized conditions (males supervising males or females, females supervising males or females). Analysis of variance yielded no significant differences between the performance of male and female leaders on both their human-relations and administrative-technical skills. Bales' Interaction Process Analysis showed that female leaders exhibited more release of tension, agreed more often, gave more opinions, and asked for more suggestions than did male leaders. Differences in the measured behaviors of male as well as female subordinates in groups supervised by male and female leaders were found. The behaviors and skills of the leaders were not related to the sex of subordinates.