Gender and respect in leadership: voices from ExCo women in the financial sector

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore the role gender plays in the respect accorded to women leaders in the financial sector. Furthermore, the article seeks to identify ways in which disrespect is related to systemic legitimacy deficits experienced by women leaders in the sector. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research design. Fieldwork gathered data through twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews with senior women leaders in a range of financial sector organisations. Fifteen interviews were conducted with UK leaders with remaining interviews conducted with leaders in the United States, Belgium, Brazil and The Channel Islands. Findings In a sector historically constructed as masculine terrain, findings show that women leaders in finance experience gender based (dis)respect, both overt and systemic, in ways that are related to conditional and contingent legitimacy. Women in senior leader positions are often positioned as “space invaders” to the sector. Strategic interrogation of respect and legitimacy cultures can be initiated through a systems approach. Originality/value This study frames the under-researched issue of gendered respect in leadership as a consequential construct, substantively linked to leadership legitimacy. It suggests that the notion of respect can be leveraged and embedded in the systems, structures and shared values of an organisation and can become a valuable vehicle to advance inclusion.