Women Leadership and Performance in Gender Diverse Groups: Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

This thesis is a study on women leaders in Pakistan and their lived experiences in the corporate world. It aims to examine the influence of different factors such as stereotypes, emotions and other socio-cultural factors that create an impact on women leader experiences, especially in the context of gender diverse groups. Qualitative methodology was adopted for this study. Therefore, data was collected by conducting interviews, which were semi-structured in nature.16 participants were collected through criterion and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis technique was used for the analysis of interview data. In the results of the study, the participants reported that gender stereotypes do have been a part of their lives since they were very young. Media and culture play a very strong role in creating a negative view of working women, so the participants reported that gender stereotypes effected their performance in their early years of their work. They are still aware of gender stereotypes around them, but, because of so much exposure to them, they have developed resilience against it. Participants reported that their productivity did not differ much based-on gender composition of their teams, but they were more efficient and confident Leaders when surrounded with more males compared to females. It was also found that they were fine with showing assertiveness in decision making situations, but they were careful to do so in a polite, non-aggressive way. Their willingness to lead also did not differ based on the gender composition of the group. The problem-solving techniques of the participants involved feedback and collaboration with team members, regardless of gender. Participants reported that they are more emotional than their male counterparts, in terms of decision making in organizations as well. Their decision making and leadership capabilities cannot be done without the involvement of emotions. Several participants highlighted the importance of emotional regulation for women to keep emotions at bay.