Female Characteristics and Performance in Leadership: Impact of Irreconcilable Differences
Obisi, Chris (Ph. D)
Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
Faculty of Business Administration,
University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos
Email: obisi.chris@yahoo.com
&
Ifekwem, N. E. (Ph. D)
College of Management Sciences,
Department of Business Administration
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to examine the female characteristics and performance in leadership in view of the fact that some irreconcilable differences still exists. Women perform a wide variety of functions in life. Majority of them have risen as high as managers and directors both in public and private sectors. Female characteristics differ greatly from that of males. They include communal, compassionate, kind, sentimental, helpful and generous. These characteristics make women look too soft, tender and modesty and are unable to take tough decisions. This study aims at reviewing findings related with female characteristics and how it has affected their performance in leadership. In investigating this, a comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the sample size of 240 staff members of some selected companies in Lagos state. The study was significantly a descriptive research design. Responses were generated from questions bothering on female characteristics and behavioural attitudes of males towards females in leadership positions. It was found that females have significantly improved their leadership rating by more or less adopting some of the male characteristics such as in decision making to enable them rise in the leadership.
Keywords: Employee performance, female characteristics, irreconcilable differences, leadership, stereotypes
