Get managers are women – but female characteristics demanded – Swedish Radio

Only 24 percent of executives in the private sector in Västmanland are women. But when the researcher Hannah Li Kusterer asked people to describe a good manager was traditionally feminine qualities valued most highly.

With its 24 per cent is Västmanland among the worst counties in the country in the proportion of managers who are women, according to figures from Statistics Sweden.

But when people were asked what characterizes a good manager valued traditionally feminine qualities, says researcher Hanna Li Kusterer, doctor of psychology:

– For example, relating to communication: To be a good listener, responsive and accessible, to be open to different opinions and be open to change and more about being able to motivate and support employees in their jobs.

Even social skills was considered essential of a good boss.

– For example, to have high moral standards, to be fair and empathetic, says Hanna Li Kusterer til P4 Västmanland.

Her research concerns in particular managers at lower or intermediate level. Other researchers have shown that in the senior managers valued the typical male characteristics more.

Female managers are described in more contradictory than men in Hanna Li Kusterers research.

– They were both hard and soft, for example. It was noticed that female managers constantly compared with men, but the men were not compared with women.

– You have all the time a male norm to assume, says Hanna Li Kusterer, doctor of psychology.