Det (o)synliga könet i ledarskap - En intervjustudie om medarbetares uppfattningar om mellanchefers ledarskap inom finanssektorn

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how employees in the financial sector perceive the leadership behaviors of middle managers, and if these perceptions differ depending on the manager's gender and if so, in what way. The study is based on a social constructivist perspective and theories of gendered organizational structures. It is based on 15 semi-structured interviews with employees who have either female or male middle managers from different companies in the Swedish financial sector. The results show that gender often acts as a framework for how leadership is evaluated and understood. Female middle managers are frequently associated with relationship-oriented qualities. However, these qualities are not always seen as equally legitimate as more authoritative and result-driven leadership styles, which are traditionally linked to masculine-coded traits. The results also highlight how informal power and organizational culture help reproduce gender-stereotypical expectations, which can make it more difficult for women to be seen as legitimate leaders. In conclusion, the study contributes insights into the structural conditions that shape gendered perceptions of leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry and highlights the need for organizational measures to promote gender equality.