Exploring the gender typing of management characteristics in an egalitarian context

Scand J Psychol. 2008 Dec;49(6):549-57. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2008.00662.x. Epub 2008 Jun 19.

Abstract

The present studies sought to investigate what kind of stereotypes are used in Sweden to describe male and female managers, and whether gender-neutral characteristics are used in the description of requisite management characteristics. In Study 1, participants answered open-ended questions on good, bad, female and male management. Requisite management characteristics showed a greater resemblance to the descriptions of female managers than male. In Study 2, female managers were rated more positively than men, and attributes ascribed to men in Study 1 were considered just as descriptive of women. Although participants described female managers more positively than male, responses often implied a norm of men as managers. In this way, prescriptive aspects of the stereotype may still work against female managers, despite the more feminine description of management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administrative Personnel / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Character
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Professional Competence
  • Public Opinion
  • Stereotyping*
  • Sweden
  • Young Adult