Anais
Resumo do trabalho
Gestão de Pessoas · Liderança e suas Dimensões
Título
Perceptions of Leadership Traits and Gender in the Organizational Context
Palavras-chave
Leadership
Leadership Traits
Gender
Autores
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Melissa Ribeiro do AmaralUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA (UFSC)
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Rodrigo Flores Pereira dos SantosUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA (UFSC)
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Bruno BiesczadUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA (UFSC)
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Inara Antunes WillerdingUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA (UFSC)
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Edis Mafra LapolliUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA (UFSC)
Resumo
Introdução
Leadership is essential for organizational performance, especially in collaborative contexts. As discussions on diversity and equity advance, understanding how men and women lead has become crucial. Although leadership is widely studied, gaps remain regarding the influence of gender on the styles and traits perceived in leaders’ day-to-day organizational practices.
Problema de Pesquisa e Objetivo
This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of SME employees regarding leadership styles and traits attributed to men and women, contributing to the debate on gender and leadership stereotypes. The study was guided by the following research questions: Is the perceived leadership style associated with the leader’s gender? Do perceptions of leadership reproduce gender stereotypes or reflect individual characteristics of the leaders?
Fundamentação Teórica
The literature indicates that gender stereotypes influence perceptions of leaders, associating women with transformational traits and men with transactional characteristics. Social role theories (Eagly & Carli, 2004) explain how social expectations shape leadership behaviors and evaluations. Female leaders face descriptive and prescriptive biases, as well as the backlash effect when challenging traditional norms.
Metodologia
This is a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study based on a survey of 207 SME employees in Santa Catarina, Brazil. A structured questionnaire with 30 leadership traits, adapted from Amaral et al. (2021), was used. Participants indicated the gender they associated with each trait. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was applied. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed statistically.
Análise dos Resultados
Of the 30 traits assessed, 18 were predominantly associated with women, eight with men, and four were considered neutral. Women were linked to empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence, as well as resilience and determination. Men remained associated with authoritarianism and hierarchy. The data reveal the persistence of stereotypes, but also signs of changing perceptions regarding female leadership.
Conclusão
The findings confirm that leadership perceptions are still influenced by gender stereotypes. However, there is a shift toward re-signification, with greater appreciation for historically feminine competencies. Female leadership is perceived more pluralistically, indicating an expansion of the repertoire attributed to women in leadership positions.
Contribuição / Impacto
The study provides empirical evidence that advances the discussion on leadership and gender, encouraging more inclusive organizational practices. It can inform diversity, equity, and recognition policies for different leadership styles. Additionally, it helps dismantle structural barriers, such as the glass ceiling, expanding opportunities for women in leadership roles.
Referências Bibliográficas
Amaral et al., 2021; Andersen & Hansson, 2011; Bennis, 2007; Brandt, 2020; Burns, 2010; Crevani, Lindgren & Packendorff, 2010; Cuadrado, Garcia-Ael & Molero, 2015; Denizci Guillet et al., 2019; Eagly & Carli, 2004; Fletcher, 2004; Funk, 2015; Garcia Solarte, Salas-Arbelaez & Gaviria Martinez, 2017; Gartzia & van Engen, 2012; Hannah & Lester, 2009; Heifetz, 1998; Koenig et al., 2011; Korn Ferry, 2024; Kuhlmann et al., 2017; Moraes, 2008; Northouse, 2012; Sabharwal, Levine & D’Agostino, 2017; Saiki et al., 2016; Sims, Carter & Moore de Peralta, 2020; Sohmen, 2015; Stevenson, 2021; Yukl, 1989.