Sex Effects in Leader Behavior Self-Descriptions and Job Satisfaction

This study investigated possible sex differences in leadership among supervisory employees (N = 72) of a large psychiatric hospital by comparing male and female self-descriptions of their own leader behaviors, as well as their satisfaction with various aspects of their jobs. Female leaders described themselves as performing more consideration and tolerance of uncertainty leader behaviors and as being more satisfied with co-workers than male leaders. The possibility, suggested by sex role stereotypes, that self-perceptions of consideration behavior for females and initiating structure for males are related to job satisfaction was not affirmed by the findings. Although some differences were found, the results generally support indications from studies based on subordinate descriptions that there actually may be few job-related differences between male and female leaders.