The impact of changing gender diversity on the leadership styles of SMEs

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on gender diversity within Latin-American small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the impact of top women executives on the leadership styles that manifest in these companies. Women were found to adopt a warm, inspirational, relationship-based style of transformational leadership, in contrast to the more competitive and emotionless transactional leadership style traditionally adopted by male executives in such companies. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.