Gender and Perceptions of Leadership Tasks

Lydia Pena, University of Northern Iowa
Adam Butler, University of Northern Iowa

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in leadership roles in organizations. This study examined student perceptions of autocratic and participative leadership tasks. There were no differences between men and women in the perceived desirability of these tasks or in their perceived ability to perform them. The results suggest that women aren’t self-selecting out of leadership due to tasks associated with the role.