Contextual Aspects of Gender Stereotypes in Leadership: The Role of Success or Failure in Management

This study advance research on the think manager–think male paradigm by analysing the influence of performance information (success vs. failure), on task- and relationship-oriented leadership styles, and on three evaluative and behavioural measures. ased on the theoretical framework of think manager–think male, the present study examines the extent to which information about successful or failed company performance affects: (a) leadership styles (task and relationship), (b) overall assessment of male and female leaders, (c) assignment of responsibility for the results, and (d) disposition to replace male and female leaders.

In a quasi-experimental study (N = 106 workers) with a 2 (success vs. failure) x 2 (male vs. female leader) design the aforementioned variables were analyzed. Results show that company performance has an impact on all outcome variables. However, this pattern affects male leaders in a different way than female leaders.