Demographic and workplace factors contributing to attitudes toward women as managers in Macau’s hospitality industry

Abstract

As an increasing number of women enter workforce and progress to managerial positions, they challenge traditional notion of gender roles ascribed to them by sociocultural theory and change gender stereotypes. However, by doing so, they may enter into gender incongruent roles which evokes negative attitudes, creates obstacles for women’s professional advancement and results in negative work outcomes. This study utilizes Women as Managers Scale (WAMS) in street intercept with 600 participants to examine the attitudes toward female managers in the dominant hospitality industry in Macau, China and finds them to be comparatively positive. The results are discussed in the context of demographic and workplace factors. Managerial implications of the findings are stated.