Gender Differences in Leadership Styles, Communication Styles, and Leadership Effectiveness: A Content Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify inherent differences between female and male leaders in their leadership styles, communication styles, and measure of leadership effectiveness, and how organizational leadership theory can benefit from learning about those differences. The study found consistent differences between female and male leaders, which promotes the value of increased diversity in organizational leadership. The study also found that individual leaders can exhibit leadership behaviors and communication traits outside the bounds of demographic predictions by exercising personal discretion, influencing their personality, and learning new skills through experience and leadership training. The study found a strong link between the practice of situational leadership and leadership effectiveness.