Leaders' Gender-Role as a Correlate of Subordinates' Perceptions of Effectiveness and Satisfaction

Abstract

This research investigated the relationship between perceived gender-role characteristics, satisfaction with leadership, and evaluation of leadership effectiveness. Subjects were 184 students in a first-year management course at a New Zealand polytechnic. A significant positive correlation obtained between perceived feminine and masculine characteristics and satisfaction with leadership, but results were mixed for the correlation of gender-role characteristics with effectiveness. Masculinity was perceived as effective for both male and female leaders, whereas femininity was perceived as effective only when shown by male leaders. Female subordinates perceived leaders as less effective when displaying feminine gender-role characteristics.