Transformativt ledarskap i mansdominerade branscher: Kvinnliga ledares beskrivningar av sina ledarskapsstrategier

Abstract

Female leadership within male-dominated industries has historically been characterized by specific expectations and structural conditions. This study aims to deepen the understanding of how female leaders in these sectors describe their leadership and how strategies they use can be understood in relation to transformational leadership theory. Through qualitative interviews, the study provides insight into how leadership is practiced within this specific organizational context. The findings indicate that leadership is primarily expressed through relational work, clarity, trust and presence. Transformational leadership emerges not as a consciously adopted ideal, but as a practical and context-dependent approach to daily operations. When the results are related to transformational leadership theory, both correlations and distinctions appear. While all four dimensions are identified within the descriptions from the women leaders, they are expressed through distinct practical applications. Individualized consideration and inspirational motivation appear more directly through focus on personal affirmation and close dialogue. In contrast, idealized influence and intellectual stimulation take form through structures and methods leaders implement to establish stability and foster independent thinking. The study further highlights the importance of balancing structure and relational practices for establishing legitimacy in the studied context.