Stereotype Threat Depletes Female Leaders

Gender stereotypes may harm women’s careers. Some may experience backlash owing to not conforming to these stereotypes; for example, women acting assertively might be considered unlikeable or aggressive. Other women might expend energy attempting to further their careers in a way that avoids backlash.  

But female leaders face particular challenges. Gender norms dictate that women take care of people but other leadership skills like defining tasks and roles, giving direction, and organizing team activities are considered stereotypically male skills. Female leaders therefore often feel restricted about how they can act.

One reason for this restricted feeling is the recognition of stereotype threat, or the potential to confirm negative stereotypes about their gender, researchers Szu-Han (Joanna) Lin et al write in the Journal of Applied Psychology.  The energy, time, and emotional labor around “concerns about being perceived as incompetent in areas deemed incongruent with one’s gender” can be depleting, the researchers found. This can affect leaders’ subsequent work.

‍ Harris & Ewing, 1937 (Library of Congress)

Owing to gender stereotypes, “Followers sometimes assume women leaders are less effective or less likable, which makes giving direction especially draining. In this study, we show that follower support changes this dynamic. When employees recognize and back their leaders, women can preserve their energy and lead more effectively,” lead author Szu-Han (Joanna) Lin said.

There are several ways organizations can help foster visible support for female leaders acting against stereotype. Changing the culture to one in which female leaders are visibly rewarded for acting against gender norms is one. Organizations can also encourage followers to express support for their leaders through training programs for employees.

Of course, hiring and promoting a larger proportion of  women to leadership positions will help normalize female leaders acting against gender norms, thereby reducing the burdens of stereotype threat.

Please subscribe to The Architectress.