An international survey of 1,332 employees and managers in Australia, the United States, Canada and New Zealand found that women managers were thought to work harder than men, to better encourage innovation and change, and to give superior positive feedback to their employees. Women managers were judged better at soliciting new ideas and instituting procedural changes, inspiring employees, and being “open about unpleasant facts.” Women were equal to men in mediating conflict, allowing employees to make their own decisions, showing confidence in and “not blaming” an employee.
The survey was conducted by DDI Asia Pacific, a consultancy firm which specializes in executive testing and selection. DDI consultant Linda Bisnette reported, “These results help to discredit the myth that women are unsuited to leadership positions and suggest that men might have something to learn from women about empowering leadership.”
