The female presence in different organisational positions and performance in secondary schools: Does a woman leader function as mediator?

PLoS One. 2019 Sep 26;14(9):e0222411. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222411. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between female representation in different organisational positions and performance using a sample of Spanish secondary schools. These organizations have been usually depicted as 'feminised environments' although women in managerial positions are still underrepresented. Based on different theoretical approaches, we separately investigate the relationship between a greater female presence and school performance in three positions: a) as principal; b) on the management team; and c) as teachers. We also investigate if having a female leader exerts a significant mediator role on the relationship between greater female representation on the management team and teachers, respectively, and school performance. Our results reveal a positive and significant relationship between having a woman principal or a greater proportion of women teachers and school performance. However, the relationship between a high proportion of women on the management team and school performance is negative. We also find that a female principal does not play a significant role as mediator in the relationship between having a greater proportion of women on the management team and as teachers and school performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Male
  • Negotiating* / psychology
  • Schools / organization & administration*
  • Sex Factors
  • Spain
  • Women* / psychology

Grants and funding

This paper was financially supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain) (Reference: ECO2015-67434-R) and Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Spain) (Reference: RTI2018-097447-B-I00). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. All errors are our own.