Decisiveness Quote by Linda Tarr-Whelan
““Of the various qualities of leadership, women were rated far, far ahead of men on being “honest,” “intelligent,” “compassionate,” “outgoing,” and “creative,” and were considered just as “hardworking” and “ambitious” as men. Men were perceived as excelling only in being “decisive.”1 The preference for men as leaders, then, suggests that the frame for respondents emphasized the role of decisiveness in leadership.””
About This Quote
Women are rated higher than men in honesty, intelligence, compassion, outgoingness, and creativity, while men excel in decisiveness, reflecting gender stereotypes in leadership.
In simple terms: Women score higher on many leadership qualities; men on decisiveness.
Key Takeaway
Challenge gender stereotypes in leadership evaluation.
Themes
leadership
gender
stereotypes
qualities
bias
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
social
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- diversity initiatives
- policy making
Key Concepts
social psychology
organizational behavior
gender studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stereotypes affect leadership selection?
- Can decisiveness be cultivated in all?
A Different Perspective
Data may be culturally contingent; stereotypes can shift.
