So is this difference in style just a perception or is it based on any evidence?
We are aware of the animal studies than show the differences in behavior between males and females that have characterized females as being more nurturing and of males classically exhibiting aggressive, dominant “A” type behavior - but how far do these results transfer across to management roles in organizations?
We also know that there are differences in some physical performance aspects of men and women which have to be taken account â especially in occupations where physical strength and stamina is important e g The Army, The Fire Brigade
When we look at some of the more sophisticated Psychometric tests measuring personality characteristics such as 16pf, we do know that there are some gender differences which are significant enough for us to use different norm tables for men or women in order to normalize any comparative results.
So if we accept that there are some gender based differences in managerial style and approach should we then provide different forms of management development training for man and women?
