Gender and Leadership

3 credits · Undergraduate

What does the research on leadership tell us? Broad based leadership research has examined leadership by gender (Eagly & Carli, 2007; Gage, Mumma, & Fritz, 2004), feminine and masculine characteristics of leadership (Eagly & Carli, 2007; Pittinsky, Bacon, & Welle, 2007; Valian, 1998), and perceptions of women’s ability to lead (Rhode & Kellerman, 2007). Yet much leadership research has typically addressed leadership development from a traditional view: white, male, positional leadership. How can we bring about a shift in the view of leaders and leadership? What role does and can gender identity play in effective approaches to leadership? In what ways can we learn to problematize situations and develop solutions through more contemporary leadership approaches? Utilizing research, popular readings, and voices from leaders from various gender identities, this course will examine the theoretical perspectives of leadership and gender. Exploration of one’s view of self-as-leader including gender identity, will also be incorporated. Students will come to understand what we know about gender and leadership through the examination and critique of the scholarship, and learn how to use their own voice to be an advocate for self and others. [3]