Questioning ‘feminine managerial behavior’ – a European study considering gender ideology

Overview & Synopsis

The concept of a ‘feminine managerial behavior’ which implies that women in managerial positions behave differently to men in similar positions by exhibiting a more supportive management style, is both widespread and controversial. To gain new insight into the debate, this study looks at the role national gender ideology plays in structuring the relationship between sex and perceived managerial support. Based on a representative sample of 22,391 employees from 26 European countries, our findings reveal that, on average, perceived managerial support is higher when supervisors are women. However, if we control for the moderating role of national gender ideology, this difference disappears. Therefore, this article contributes to the nature/nurture debate by showing that gender differences in perceived managerial support stem primarily from persistent gender stereotypes.