Female leader’s work-identity development in a man’s world Masculine organisations experienced by female leaders in developing their work-identity in relation to their self-identity
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2022-08-31
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en
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Abstract
This study contributes to the literature on female leaders
how masculine organisations are experienced by female leaders in
developing their work-identity in relation to their self-identity
Methodology: The data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews
with twelve female leaders working in a masculine organisation. The
data was analysed through template analysis.
Findings: The findings show that the female leaders experience the masculine
organisation overlapping with their self-identity. In the development of their work-identity in relation to their self-identity, they experience a
sense of being up against the masculine identity and culture within the organisation, unconsciously strengthening masculine characteristics and weakening feminine characteristics in their work-identity. The exception in this predominantly masculine work-identity is the identity they adopt regarding leadership. They experience no pressure or expectation from the organisation and adopt a more transformational leadership style, making feminine characteristics dominant.
Research One of the limitations of this study is that the results are not
limitations: generalisable because only twelve interviews were conducted. Besides,
to create a more homogeneous respondent group, a more specific delineation of respondents was preferred.
Practical The findings contribute to a better understanding of how masculine
implications: organisations are experienced by female leaders. This understanding
enables the masculine organisations to develop new HR practices to create a work environment where female leaders can develop a work-identity that has no or little discrepancy with their self-identity and enables the female leader to feel free to choose the leadership style she prefers.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen