Does gender play a role in leadership? : heads of department perspectives on communication, leadership styles and influence tactics

Abstract

This research study is concerned with the possible differences, if any, in the Communication, Influence tactics and Leadership styles of Heads of department in relation to Gender and Leadership. Research conducted on leadership which focuses on the gender differences between men and women show conflicting results. Some research states that women have a different style of leadership, influence tactic and communication style than men, with a small but significant difference while other studies reveal no major differences between the genders. Men and women differ psychologically therefore it is natural to assume differentiation in Leadership. Five in-depth semi structured interviews were carried out with Heads of department, three females and two males. The participants were asked a number of questions based on the relationship between Gender and Leadership with a focus given to their communication, influence tactics and Leadership styles. Data gathered from the interviews were transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis. The results of the current study found that there were no significant gender differences in the ways in which heads of department communicate, lead or influence their staff however there are still gender differences portrayed when it comes to societal expectations and women’s responsibilities in society such as familial ones. While these findings represent the professionals in this study, they should not be generalised to all the Heads of department in Malta.