Biobehavioral differences, women and leadership

Abstract

To explore the biobehavioral differences between women and men with implications for the stress and distress they experience as well as for their roles in leadership. While most research in these domains focuses on the differences between women and men, we bring the focus to the within-group among women. We explore the asymmetry between men and women, attending to the implications for leadership and followership, with particular emphasis on the work–family boundary. Our method was biographical inquiry using a standard interview protocol to explore the challenges, work–family balance, and identities of three women leaders. The original biographic data come from two senior women C-level leaders and one successful woman entrepreneur. These original data also explore their simultaneous roles as wives and mothers. The results provided insight into the identity of women leaders who do not necessarily define themselves by their professional and leadership roles despite being successful and accomplished within those roles. A defining identity for all three leaders was their roles as mothers. We conclude that women are capable of being successful leaders while at the same time being wives and mothers if they so choose. These intractable roles are not mutually exclusive.