Discussion Questions
Chapter 15: Gender and Leadership
1. Why is the scholarly question “Can women lead?” now moot? What are the current
research questions being asked? Do you agree with these question changes and why? Give a
personal example that you observe that supports your argument.
2. In what ways are women’s leadership experiences like a labyrinth?
3. Several metaphors are used in the text to describe women’s experience in leadership: glass
ceiling, labyrinth, glass escalator, glass cliff, and jungle gym. Which of these is most fitting
in your view? What other metaphors can you propose that describe women’s organizational
leadership experience?
4. Which evidence of the leadership labyrinth is most compelling to you—women’s
representation in higher education, business, or politics? Why?
5. In what ways does the leadership labyrinth apply to other nondominant groups?
6. Discuss the strengths of the three types of explanations for the gender gap in leadership
(human capital, gender differences, and prejudice). What evidence have you observed for
each of these explanations? Are there generational differences in how women and men
perceive women’s underrepresentation in high-level leadership positions?
7. Evaluate the arguments for men’s advantages in leadership.
8. Summarize the empirical research on gender differences in leadership style and
effectiveness.
9. Summarize the motives for removing the barriers in the labyrinth. Do you agree/disagree
with this section’s research and argument? Give an example that supports your position.
10. What does bridging the leadership gap involve? What factors have converged to
contribute to leadership effectiveness and the rise of female leaders? Give examples from
your own experiences or observations that you feel apply to information/examples given in
this section.
11. Reflect on recent research that men may be advantaged in leadership because “they place
more importance on power-related goals, associate power with less negative outcomes, and
are more likely to take advantage of opportunities for professional advancement.” What are
some examples of power-related goals? How does having power mitigate negative
outcomes?
12. Define intersectionality. Can you think of leaders with multiple social identities (gender,
ethnicity, sexual identity, etc.) who have risen to top positions because of their
intersectionality?
Northouse, Leadership 8e
SAGE Publications, 2019
13. Various studies show that working women still do more of the childcare and household
chores than men, though they are moving toward parity (Eagly & Carli, 2007). What
evidence do you see of either trend in your workplace or campus?
14. Complete Case Studies 14.1 and 14.2. Answer each of the questions in both case studies
and give personal examples of your experience/observations that support your answers.
15. Complete the gender–leader implicit association test and interpret the results. What was
the result on the associations that you made? Give specific examples from your personal
experiences to illustrate your beliefs/behaviors consistent with the Trial A and B. Which of
these associations/assessments surprised you? Why? Do you agree or disagree that this test is
accurate and reflects your gender associations?
16. Do you agree that understanding research into gender and leadership will help promote
more women into the upper echelons of leadership? Why or why not?