Women are Helping to Re-define the Model of Leadership
– Findings of a Study by Caliper

In a business world dominated by men, it is interesting to note that of the Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of women on their top management teams, the average shareholder returns are 34% higher than companies with the lowest representation of women at that level. Caliper’s conclusion in a study on the profile of top women leaders globally suggests that women’s style of leadership may be more appropriate for the organizations of today.

Caliper’s study includes samples of women leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, China and Singapore. The data for the study come from in-depth analysis of personality profiles, demographic data and interviews with the study participants. The sample is compared to a representative sample of male leaders with similar job titles in comparable companies.

The study findings are summarized as follows:

1) Women leaders are more persuasive than their male counterparts – women’s persuasive motivation, empathy and sociability are higher than men;

2) Women leaders feel the sting of rejection but learn rapidly from the adversity and develop an “I’ll show you” attitude – this is helped by their higher flexibility, empathy and sociability;

3) Women leaders have an inclusive, teambuilding leadership style of problem solving and decision making - this is supported by their higher levels of empathy, flexibility, sociability and the need to be liked;

4) Women leaders are willing to break rules and take risks, just like male leaders – this is contrary to the stereotype of women as being rule-bound and seeking security

Caliper plans to do further work with the study. Those interested in more information with regard to the study are welcome to make email contact at info@caliper.com.sg.