Women make more effective leaders

A report by Business Insider reveals that at lowest levels, women occupy over half the positions in an organization but as one goes up the ladder, the number of women present diminishes. Even though the numbers vary in different cultures, the pattern remains almost the same. It has also been found that only 3%-4% of CEOs are women.

The Business Insider also reports that according to a report by Zenger Folkman, women have shown great success when appointed at higher positions. It also continues to say that age plays a huge role in the difference. When men and women work together at the start of their careers; not much difference is perceived between them. This however, changes in the favor of men, a few years into their careers. The gap between men and women’s leadership effectiveness keeps increasing till they are around 60 years of age. After this point, women are considered more effective by their employees and co-workers as compared to men.

The main reason for this, according to Business Insider, is due to something called, “Practicing Self Development”. This refers to the extent to which people ask for feedback and make changes based on it. The result for this too was fairly similar for both men and women till the age of 40. After this point, women still continued to ask for, and make changes according to the received feedback. Men however, don’t feel the need for it after they enter their forties. This is where their effectiveness as leaders decreases according to the report.

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Moreover, the women according to the same report were seen as nurturing. Qualities like developing others, inspiring and motivating others, relationship building, collaboration and teamwork were seen to be highly present in women. Along with these competencies such as taking initiative, displaying integrity and honesty, and driving for results were also seen. Business Insider suggests that these skills describe leaders who take on difficult challenges and ensure their organizations receive results.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Business Insider

http://www.businessinsider.com/study-women-are-better-leaders-2014-1?IR=T