Att leda i en mansdominerad hierarki: En kvalitativ studie om kön och ledarskap inom sjöfart

Abstract

The maritime industry is characterized by strong hierarchical structures and traditionally masculine leadership norms. Despite increasing attention to gender equality, women remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership positions. This study investigates how Swedish seafarers describe organizational structure and leadership regarding gender, and analyzes whether and how gender affects professional treatment and assessment. The study is based on a qualitative research approach and comprises 16 semi-structured interviews with Swedish officers and crew members working in both Swedish and international maritime contexts. The material was analyzed through thematic analysis and interpreted using theories on organizational inequality, gender, masculinity and leadership. The findings show that hierarchy is viewed as necessary for safety, responsibility and decision-making, while everyday work is increasingly described as collaborative and less authoritarian. At the same time, authority is shaped not only through formal position, but also through gendered norms and expectations. Female officers often experience a greater need to prove their competence and legitimacy compared to male colleagues and face higher expectations in leadership roles. The results also indicate that the maritime industry is undergoing cultural change through increased female representation and greater openness regarding gender equality issues, although informal exclusionary structures still remain.The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how organizational structure, gender and leadership interact within a traditionally male-dominated and safety-critical organizational context.