Think Leader, Think Gender? The Gendered Attributes Associated with Ideal Leadership Roles

Abstract

The top-ranking official of a public organization might be called a leader, manager, public manager, or a more specific term tied to the organization. While these terms have similar meanings and are sometimes used interchangeably, each one might convey a very different set of normative role expectations and requisite attributes. This study examines how the word used to describe the top-ranking official of an organization is associated with gendered attributes. Results from an online experiment suggest that thinking of an “ideal leader” prompts individuals to think less of feminine traits compared to an “ideal manager,” while an “ideal public manager” does not have such clear gender connotations. Specific titles can also be associated with gendered attributes as the results suggest that an “ideal high school principal” should possess many feminine traits. In addition, individuals tend to think of men more often than women regardless of the leadership role they are envisioning. These findings suggest that the choice of word used to describe top officials matters for both research and practice as it can make women–or men–appear to be more or less fit for certain roles.