Beate Stiehler Mulder & Amanda Roberts
15 October 2024
The Feminist Leadership Advantage
Female underrepresentation in leadership roles remains a reality and this phenomenon can be confirmed by conducting a simple search for women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies - they are a clear minority.
However, despite this, research suggests (Offerman& Foley, 2020) that many women leaders bring a very unique set of leadership traits that may provide an advantage to organizations.
1. Transformational leadership
Women are often associated with transformational leadership styles, characterized by inspiring vision, motivation, and attention to individual needs.
The benefit: This style can foster employee engagement, innovation, and organizational success.
2. Empathy and Collaboration
Female leaders may be more likely to exhibit empathy and collaboration towards those they manage or work with.
The benefit: Empathy can enhance relationships with employees and stakeholders. They may also be more collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style.
3. Resilience and Adaptability
Women may bring Resilience and Adaptability: Women often face greater challenges in breaking through the glass ceiling, which can develop resilience and adaptability.
The benefit: These traits can be valuable in navigating complex and uncertain organizational environments - a great approach to have in a world that is dynamic and fast-paced.
An untapped female advantage?
As we’ve seen from the three examples above, there seems to be an untapped advantage for companies in appointing women in leadership roles, but, with the current reality of women being so underrepresented, it seems important to focus again on the importance of the concept of feminism.
What is feminism?
Many people associate feminism as “against males”. This is however very far from the truth. Feminism encompasses several aspects and is a multi-faceted concept that is worth understanding - and in my opinion, those companies that listen - might unlock a unique strategic advantage if they truly focus on weaving these concepts into their values and business objectives. Not merely state them, but truly embrace them.
According to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s (2014) book "We Should All Be Feminists" feminism can be explained as follows:
1. Feminism challenges harmful stereotypes:
Feminism helps to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes that limit both men and women. Yes, MEN and WOMEN. Harmful stereotyping can lead to discrimination, inequality, and missed opportunities in the workplace for all genders.
2. Feminism promotes equality:
Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. This includes equal pay, equal representation in leadership positions, and the right to make choices about one's life without societal pressure.
3. Feminism is about creating a just society:
Feminism seeks to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, is treated with respect and dignity. It challenges systemic inequalities and works towards a more equitable world.
4. Feminism is about benefits for all:
While feminism primarily focuses on gender equality, it ultimately benefits everyone. A more equitable society with greater gender equality leads to stronger communities, a more vibrant economy, and a more peaceful world.
The unique traits that women leaders can bring to organizations, seem a competitive advantage that companies should aim to leverage, but to truly embrace this, I argue that companies must revisit the principles of feminism and truly interrogate their current behavior, culture and values to ensure that these principles become a living part of the business.
Adichie, C. N. (2014). We should all be feminists. Vintage.
Offermann, L. R., & Foley, K. (2020). Is there a female leadership advantage? Business and Management.
"Manifesting can help focus your efforts and guide your decision-making in the workplace"
The Feminist Leadership Advantage
Female underrepresentation in leadership roles remains a reality and this phenomenon can be confirmed by conducting a simple search for women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies - they are a clear minority.
However, despite this, research suggests (Offerman& Foley, 2020) that many women leaders bring a very unique set of leadership traits that may provide an advantage to organizations.
1. Transformational leadership
Women are often associated with transformational leadership styles, characterized by inspiring vision, motivation, and attention to individual needs.
The benefit: This style can foster employee engagement, innovation, and organizational success.
2. Empathy and Collaboration
Female leaders may be more likely to exhibit empathy and collaboration towards those they manage or work with.
The benefit: Empathy can enhance relationships with employees and stakeholders. They may also be more collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style.
3. Resilience and Adaptability
Women may bring Resilience and Adaptability: Women often face greater challenges in breaking through the glass ceiling, which can develop resilience and adaptability.
The benefit: These traits can be valuable in navigating complex and uncertain organizational environments - a great approach to have in a world that is dynamic and fast-paced.
An untapped female advantage?
As we’ve seen from the three examples above, there seems to be an untapped advantage for companies in appointing women in leadership roles, but, with the current reality of women being so underrepresented, it seems important to focus again on the importance of the concept of feminism.
What is feminism?
Many people associate feminism as “against males”. This is however very far from the truth. Feminism encompasses several aspects and is a multi-faceted concept that is worth understanding - and in my opinion, those companies that listen - might unlock a unique strategic advantage if they truly focus on weaving these concepts into their values and business objectives. Not merely state them, but truly embrace them.
According to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s (2014) book "We Should All Be Feminists" feminism can be explained as follows:
1. Feminism challenges harmful stereotypes:
Feminism helps to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes that limit both men and women. Yes, MEN and WOMEN. Harmful stereotyping can lead to discrimination, inequality, and missed opportunities in the workplace for all genders.
2. Feminism promotes equality:
Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. This includes equal pay, equal representation in leadership positions, and the right to make choices about one's life without societal pressure.
3. Feminism is about creating a just society:
Feminism seeks to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, is treated with respect and dignity. It challenges systemic inequalities and works towards a more equitable world.
4. Feminism is about benefits for all:
While feminism primarily focuses on gender equality, it ultimately benefits everyone. A more equitable society with greater gender equality leads to stronger communities, a more vibrant economy, and a more peaceful world.
The unique traits that women leaders can bring to organizations, seem a competitive advantage that companies should aim to leverage, but to truly embrace this, I argue that companies must revisit the principles of feminism and truly interrogate their current behavior, culture and values to ensure that these principles become a living part of the business.
Adichie, C. N. (2014). We should all be feminists. Vintage.
Offermann, L. R., & Foley, K. (2020). Is there a female leadership advantage? Business and Management.