Gender and Leadership

The main points of the article by Corey (2017) is that in the 20th century, women played significant roles in developing the U.S. The percentage of women in the U.S population is 51%, and the percentage of women in the professional jobs is 52%. The percentage of women in the leadership position is 25% in office management, 19% in board leadership level, and 4.6% in Chief Executive Level (Corey, 2017).The article asserts that there is a leadership gap, and this gap needs to be closed.  The gap occurs as a result of gender stereotypes where people believe that women are not capable of being in leadership positions. In American culture, women are also regarded as ideal workers who are primary caretakers and therefore do not work long hours.   The society has also constructed the idea that women want to stay at home, among other unconscious biases toward (Corey, 2017). In general, women are marginalized, and they are assumed to be unqualified and incompetent. The major point is that the gender gap in leadership should be eliminated and allow women to achieve their dreams and advance their careers. Many highly skilled women can become leaders and move the organization to the next level.

The article supports the idea of ‘bridging the gap' as described in the textbook. Northouse, (2009) asserts that gender stereotype has influenced people to develop negative perceptions toward women, and women themselves have been negatively affected. There many females who can become effective leaders and therefore, organizations should change the culture and allow women to reach the top positions.  Many organizations have negative assumptions about the female gender, yet these assumptions remain invisible. There is no gender diversity, but rather, the place of works is characterized by unconscious bias where women are discriminated in career development, work-life support, mentoring, and other areas. Corey (2017) states that organizations should eliminate the leadership gap and provide them with developmental opportunities, gender equity, and equal opportunity. The only way the organization can achieve these elements is by assigning women leadership roles, and as a result, this will lead to organizational success. When choosing leaders, the organization should stop ignoring women and focus on gender equality

 

 

 

 

Reference

Corey, T. (2017). Women in leadership: Progress has slowed, so rev up to close the gap. Grand

Rapids Business Journal, 35(6), 11. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=121209680&site=ehost-live

 

Northouse, P. G. (2009). Leadership: Theory and Practice. SAGE Publications Ltd.