“More people prefer a male boss, but gender gap is narrowing,” by Kelly Wallace, CNN, Nov 13, 2013
The article includes a video of a good discussion of the stereotypes we have explored this semester in COMM 2107 Women in the Media. It also shows that the preference gap in the Gallup survey has narrowed significantly. In 1953 a male boss was preferred by 66% of respondents compared to 5% for a female boss. Today those numbers are 35% for a male boss and 23% for a female boss. A chart in the article dramatizes the trend toward equality.
“I think it’s great to see that trend, so I’m very encouraged by it, but I’m not surprised that it’s still a 2-to-1 ratio of people preferring to work for men than women, said sociologist and workplace consultant BJ Gallagher, who has written several books, including a best-seller on diversity called ‘A Peacock in the Land of Penguins.’ (‘…this corporate fable explores what it means to be “different” in a world that values conformity, stability, and tradition.’)”
It appears that as more employees experience working for a female boss the trend toward equal preference is gaining momentum. A majority of women managers recognize that they have a role to play in this and are more willing to extend a helping hand to others than men are.
“In fact, a report by Catalyst (a nonprofit focused on expanding opportunities for women in business) found that 73% of women who received career development support are helping to support and develop other women, versus 30% of men…
The mom of two (Susan Nierenberg, vice president of global marketing and corporate communications for Catalyst) said, ‘It’s infectious. When women help other women, then the women they help (have) a role model in that regard.'”
The imbedded links add a level of interest to the subject. I recommend giving them a look and read the full article here: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/13/living/identity-gallup-male-boss-female-boss/index.html?iref=allsearch
Editor’s note: Kelly Wallace is CNN’s digital correspondent and editor-at-large covering family, career and life.