Sex‐based discrimination in the selection and promotion of leaders continues to be a serious problem in large organizations. There are several different
reasons for such discrimination, but more research is needed to understand the causes and find ways to deal with them. Many studies have examined gender‐
based differences in leadership behavior and effectiveness, but the findings are weak and inconsistent. Future studies need to control for effects of likely
contaminating variables, report the magnitude of any significant differences that are found, and measure processes that provide insight into the reasons for the
differences.
An important responsibility for leaders in this new century is the management of diversity, which can take many forms. Leaders play an essential role in helping
to bring about equal opportunity and elimination of unfair discrimination in selection and promotion decisions. Leaders can do many things to encourage
tolerance and appreciation of diversity in organizations. All leaders in the organization should share the responsibility for improving diversity and ensuring
equal opportunity. Leadership at the national level is also important in the continuing efforts to eliminate unfair discrimination for all minorities and ethnic
groups.
- What are the major research questions in studies of cross‐cultural leadership?
- Why is cross‐cultural research on leadership important and worthwhile?
- What are some difficulties in conducting cross‐cultural research on leadership?
- What cultural value dimensions have been identified, and how are they related to leadership?
- What leadership attributes are universally viewed as effective and desirable?
- What leadership attributes have the greatest cross‐cultural variability?
- Why is a “glass ceiling” for women, and what can be done about the problem?
- What can leaders do to manage diversity in organizations?