Assignment:
Research on women in leadership is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the 1970s, researchers began looking at gender differences as they relate to leadership. Research has shown women at a slight disadvantage in male dominated areas, a slight advantage in female dominated areas, and greater use of transformational and contingent leadership styles. Women are significantly underrepresented in major leadership jobs. According to Folta, Seguin, Ackermann, & Nelson (2012), however, women in leadership may have a higher visionary approach to community and social change, despite their underrepresentation.
Awareness is the first step to facing challenges. For this Discussion, read the Folta article. Consider the impact that women in leadership roles can have on community and social change. Consider what leadership approaches and theories women might need to accentuate to lessen their apparent underrepresentation in major leadership jobs.
Provide your analysis of the impact that women in leadership roles might have on community and social change. Describe the leadership approaches and theories women in leadership roles might further develop in order to strengthen their representation in major leadership jobs.
Note: Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Readings:
• Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications. ?Chapter 15, "Gender and Leadership" (pp. 397-426)
• Cheung, F. M., & Halpern, D. F. (2010). Women at the top: Powerful leaders define success as work + family in a culture of gender. American Psychologist, 65(3), 182-193.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Christman, D. E., & McClellan, R. L. (2012). Discovering middle space: Distinctions of sex and gender in resilient leadership. The Journal of Higher Education, 83(5), 648-670.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Folta, S. C., Seguin, R. A., Ackerman, J., & Nelson, M. E. (2012). A qualitative study of leadership characteristics among women who catalyze positive community change. BMC Public Health, 12, 383.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.