Breaking Down Gender Dynamics: Social-Role vs. Structural Models in Organizations

Deep Dive Podcast: Breaking Down Gender Dynamics: Social-Role vs. Structural Models in Organizations
What drives influence in organizations: inherent gender roles or structural factors? This timeless question was explored in a groundbreaking study analyzing how gender impacts influence strategies at work. Here are five key takeaways:
1️⃣ Social Roles Shape Expectations: Gender norms heavily influence expectations about leadership and influence. Women are often seen as nurturing, while men are expected to be assertive, shaping their influence styles.
2️⃣ Structural Power Trumps Gender: The study revealed that organizational position and authority often outweigh gender-based assumptions. Power dynamics are more structural than personal.
3️⃣ Intersection of Role and Context: Influence strategies vary based on the organizational context, blending personal traits with the demands of specific roles. Leaders tailor their approaches to align with workplace norms.
4️⃣ Bias in Perceptions of Influence: Women in power face double standards. While assertiveness is praised in men, it can be viewed negatively in women, highlighting implicit biases.
5️⃣ Strategies to Bridge the Gap: The research calls for training programs to challenge stereotypes and foster environments where influence is evaluated on merit, not gendered assumptions.
What strategies has your organization adopted to tackle these dynamics? Share your thoughts!
Get article: Aguinis, H., & Adams, S. K. R. 1998. Social-role versus structural models of gender and influence use in organizations: A strong inference approach. Group and Organization Management, 23(4): 414-446. doi.org/10.117...