GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MANAGERIAL BEHAVIOR AND THEIR LEADERSHIP STYLES

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to scrutinize the gender differences in managerial behavior and their leadership styles. In order to generate new research-based subject, some specific objectives were raised such as to initiate a discussion on whether, there are differences between the leadership style of men and women executives, to investigate the leadership skills women must possess in order to be successful in their executive positions, and to be aware of the main reason why men holding leadership positions and women are encountering some barriers to the leadership and management positions. However, the hypotheses were subjected to 5% level of significance. The study employed qualitative and quantitative method of research where interview was conducted among managers in The Gambia and in Turkey as a form of qualitative method, while questionnaires were distributed to some participants in The Gambia using random sampling of quantitative to gather numerical information. Different estimation techniques were used ranging from frequency analysis, descriptive analysis, normality test, crosstabs analysis, and correlation analysis. It was found that several researchers theorized that, the leadership styles adopted by male leaders are significantly different, mainly due to biological differences and variations in personality traits. Meanwhile this study found that women tend to adopt a more transformational, democratic/participative, relationship-oriented leadership styles, whereas men were observed to adopt more autocratic, transactional, directive and task-oriented leadership style. Also, it was reported that the leadership style mostly adopted by women proves to be beneficial for organizational effectiveness, mainly integrating the system of reward, motivation, expectation and enthusiasm among others. Empowered subordinates feel more comfortable and responsible for meeting organizational goals and objectives