Leadership is often perceived as an inherently masculine trait, so it's no surprise that many people assume that leaders are men and women who exhibit certain gender stereotypes.
There have been countless studies showing that these assumptions are false - in fact, researchers have found that leadership has nothing to do with gender or sex. Leadership is about character traits like integrity, intelligence, and communication skills, which anyone can possess regardless of their gender identity.
What does matter when it comes to perceptions of leadership credibility and professional competence is sexual dynamics. Research shows that leaders who engage in risky sexual behavior tend to be seen as more competent than those who don't; for example, if a leader is rumored to cheat on his/her partner or have multiple partners, he/she may be seen as a "player" who knows how to get ahead in life. In addition, research suggests that being perceived as attractive can also boost one's leadership potential.
Some studies suggest that CEOs who are seen as physically attractive are more likely to receive higher salaries and promotions compared to less attractive CEOs.
Research also shows that there are negative consequences to sexual dynamics when it comes to leadership assessments.
Sexual harassment or assault by a leader can seriously damage a person's reputation and ultimately impact their ability to lead effectively.
Leaders who use their power to take advantage of subordinates sexually may face backlash from others within the organization who view them as unethical or immoral.
Sexual dynamics play an important role in shaping people's impressions of someone's leadership abilities, but they shouldn't be viewed as absolute determinants of success. Instead, leaders should focus on developing strong character traits like honesty, empathy, and good decision-making skills while avoiding any behaviors that could damage their reputations or create legal liabilities down the road.
How do sexual dynamics impact assessments of leadership credibility and professional competence in organizations?
Sexual dynamics have an impact on leadership credibility and professional competence in organizations due to gender stereotypes and social expectations related to female leaders. In many cultures, women are perceived as more nurturing and less aggressive than men, which can affect how they are evaluated by subordinates, peers, and superiors.