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Cultural constraints on the emergence of women as leaders
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Cultural constraints on the emergence of women as leaders

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  • Toh, Soo Min
  • Leonardelli, Geoffrey J.

Abstract

Women, who have historically been less represented than men in leadership positions, emerge as leaders in some societies more than others. Unlike previous cultural explanations for this effect (rooted in differences in values, practices, or gender roles), we argue that a culture's tightness – its strength of norms and social sanctions – can provoke a resistance to change practices that historically placed men in leadership positions. Tighter cultures will yield fewer women represented among top leadership positions. Moreover, cultural tightness moderates the degree to which egalitarian practices – where individuals from both genders are treated equally – lead women to emerge as leaders. Specifically, differences in egalitarian practices are more likely to predict the emergence of women as leaders among tight rather than loose cultures because such practices are more strongly implemented in tight than weak cultures. Analysis of publicly available data reveals some preliminary support for predictions. This research concludes that loose cultures will be more receptive to changing existing cultural practices, but that tight cultures are more successful in implementing and sustaining such changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Toh, Soo Min & Leonardelli, Geoffrey J., 2012. "Cultural constraints on the emergence of women as leaders," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(4), pages 604-611.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:47:y:2012:i:4:p:604-611
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2012.01.013
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    1. Lori D Paris & Jon P Howell & Peter W Dorfman & Paul J Hanges, 2009. "Preferred leadership prototypes of male and female leaders in 27 countries," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 40(8), pages 1396-1405, October.
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    7. Koveshnikov, Alexei & Tienari, Janne & Piekkari, Rebecca, 2019. "Gender in international business journals: A review and conceptualization of MNCs as gendered social spaces," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 54(1), pages 37-53.
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    10. Nguyen, Thi Hong Hanh & Ntim, Collins G. & Malagila, John K., 2020. "Women on corporate boards and corporate financial and non-financial performance: A systematic literature review and future research agenda," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    11. Uzuegbunam, Ikenna & Pathak, Seemantini & Taylor-Bianco, Amy & Ofem, Brandon, 2021. "How cultural tightness interacts with gender in founding teams: Insights from the commercialization of social ventures," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(4).
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    14. Uma Jogulu & Esmé Franken, 2023. "The career resilience of senior women managers: A cross‐cultural perspective," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 280-300, January.
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