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Do all women make bad bosses?

Angry woman - World News - Marie Claire Rex Features

Given the choice, would you rather work for a man or a woman? If recent studies are anything to go by, your answer should most definitely be a man.

According to a recent article, men are considered less bullying, egotistical and overbearing compared to ladies, with four out of ten women who have female bosses insisting they could do a better job.

And the female backlash doesn't end there. A study of 2,000 companies in the U.S with more female board members experienced lower profitability.

Not much of a triumph for feminism so far, is it?

All is not lost though. Women do, it seems, make a difference to bankruptcy with statistics suggesting that by having one female director on a board a company cuts it's chances of going bankrupt by 20 per cent.   

So what do you think? Is there a reason why men make beter bosses, or do you feel passionate about waving the flag for lady leaders?

Have your say by adding your comment below.

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Tuesday 8 December 2009


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I think that nothing is black and white so a mix is best!
Comment by Kim on December 07 16:13

Maybe the women in the survey have unrealistic expectations for the women bosses. Maybe the women bosses have more pressure on them to be tougher than male bosses. Maybe there is sexism in the research.

Most definitely, this article is sexist. I support women in leadership positions, all the way. There's no reason for women to get down on other women based on their sex! We've gotta love ourselves, ladies.
Comment by Stevie on December 07 20:30

Studies show that while we think neutrally of a man who loses his temper, we think much less of a woman who does in the same circumstance. Furthermore, the media has told us time and again that authoritative women with power and poise (Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama) look "angry" when they certainly aren't any more or less so than their male counterparts.

We need to adjust our expectations. Your boss is not your mommy, and if she exerts authority, it doesn't make her a bitch.
Comment by Jonna Pedersen on December 08 00:41

No. But all men make terrile bosses. Actualy, I believe that it should be back in the kitchen with those men. Use those big hands for something useful like kneading bread and churning butter.
Comment by He-Man the Barbarian on December 08 13:11

I'm afraid I have to agree and I'm pleased to see that it's not just me who feels this way. Of course there are always exceptions either way i.e. bad male bosses and good female bosses, but as a general rule, based on experience, women are less professional by taking criticism personally - they are to emotionally driven. And less compassionate when it is necessary to be so. I have had women bosses who do not understand the desire to have a work-life balance and think that one should live at the office, simply because they are so career-orientated. A shame, but it's what I have found (not exclusive to bosses, by the way but anyone I have dealt with in a professional capacity).
Comment by Julie on December 08 14:03

It is harder for Women bosses. You have to show you're not a 'soft touch' or 'too emotional' but if you get results you're a 'bitch' and 'don't understand work life balance'.

Women make good bosses but are far too competitive towards each other instead of helping each other up. So while men will be 'one of the lads', we are our own worst enemy.
Comment by Pam J on December 08 15:04

There are bad and good on both sides. I work for a female and whilst she is understanding she is too close to being 'mates' with her staff and without enough authority. I have worked for useless men who couldn't organise a bun fight in Mr Kiplings, but she is a lot more organised but I do think I would prefer to work for a man sometimes!
Comment by Pink on December 08 15:50

Really? For a woman's magazine this sure is a sexist article. Women when in a position of authority have to try a bit harder than men. Rather than seeing the lack of productivity and blame it on her, think about what conditions went into that. Women are just finally starting to get somewhere and articles like this just reinforce the negative backlash.
Comment by Amber on December 08 17:41

I've only had female bosses and I've not a complaint about a single one! Personally I don't mind either male or female. Some people are good bosses, some are not!
Comment by Helen on December 08 19:17

I agree that this is the case from purely personal experience. Men bosses have been better able to handle pressure by being apersonal and being more clear about whats to be done and even being more keen to help the juniors learn. The women bosses get competitive, judgmental and even personal. I think it is also in the nature of women to turn everything into a big deal which makes not all women able to cope with stress very well, and able to keep their feminity intact and at the same time perform!
Comment by Apara on December 09 03:00

Although it galls me to admit it, I agree with Julie and Pam. My last 2 managers were women and both suffered from the same problem - being overly sensitive about their authority. If I questioned any decisions it was seen as a challenge rather than a learning opportunity for me. It's a relief to have a male manager who doesn't have this problem, nor do most male managers that I have dealt with. Maybe I've been lucky!?
Comment by Margaret on December 09 07:20

Unfortunately I have to say that I prefer working for a male boss. I've had 2 female bosses in my career but both were very competitive, as if team working and sharing ideas were somehow a challenge to their authority. Both were very unsympathetic to others taking time off for maternity appointments which was surprising. I'd rather work for a man thanks.
Comment by Madison on December 09 09:22

I agree with madison.. i will prefer to work witha male boss too cos at present i work with a feamle boos who compares herself to me when i am secretary and she is the group MD. I bet 4 yrs is too much so right now all exit sign i foolow to change n get a new job...my opinion.
Comment by Sisi B on December 09 16:02

It all comes down to personality and a feeling for your employees..(put yourself in their place etc.) Man Woman boss.........still have to know how to deal with employees..also..older bosses as opposed to younger...
The point is do you personally prefer a male or female boss and inside yourself...can u cope with whichever one???
Choose the job carefully.
Hey..what about Elizabeth 1st though..Victoria..all the female royalty of the past...who worked for them....women and men...for a very long time.
Same for hospital consultants in whatever area..who do u prefer ..male or female ..whos better??? Both!!!!
Comment by anon on February 04 20:07

ps..It will never change ..personality , kindness understanding and willingness to listen and relate would be the mainspring..Male or female...both can do this..place yourself in the employees shoes and think ...and thats how its done.
Comment by anon on February 04 20:12

Women can be really mean people... I would much rather prefer to work for a man than woman. why? cause the last two jobs i had were under female management. I felt discriminated against. It may be cause I am half white. Women can also be out harrassing their employees for the sake of making their point. If it were up to me I think male employers would be a much better choice.
Comment by almanda on February 16 19:05

I hate to say but, most women are not as general in the work place enough. We are always having to defend our actions and we should'nt we think way too emotional about everything. Thats why I believe we don't make good bosses, or should I say strong boses.
Comment by Nia D. on April 22 18:03


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