Explorations into sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service Part 3. Implications and research findings on leadership

Abstract

Purpose – This is the third part of a three-part paper on the intersection between sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service. The first part of this paper provided an introduction to the research, a literature review and some conjectures derived from it. The second part formulated specific null hypotheses, outlined the research methodology and presented research findings. The purpose of this paper is to explore the practical implications of the research findings, presents an evidence-based framework for understanding the transition into leadership, with prescriptions for its use and ends with a concluding discussion on the overall research findings. Design/methodology/approach – Information was collected from a wide cross-section of UK Civil Servants between 1993 and 2013. Individuals were participants on training and development activities carried out by the authors. Individuals completed psychometric instruments, including self-assessments and 360 degree assessments and provided information on their sex, work role and work situation. Statistical analysis was carried out to identify behaviours associated with effective leadership, taking account of behaviours used, behaviours valued and behaviours valued more highly than in those in follower roles and situations. Comparisons were made between the effective leader behaviour profile and those for sex differences and gender stereotypes. Findings – A very strong statistical relationship was found between the frequency with which individuals use a range of behaviours and the extent of their leadership role and situation. Moreover, particular behaviours were found to be more valued in leadership roles/situations, with clear differences between those valued in follower roles/situations. A combined leadership effectiveness profile had little in common with either the male/masculine or female/feminine profile. Research limitations/implications – The research was a by-product of the authors’ training and development work. It was not part of a purpose-built and wide-ranging research programme into sex, gender and leadership. It also relates to one context, the UK Civil Service, and may not generalise to other contexts. Nonetheless, there are clear parallels between these findings and previous research. Practical implications – Gender stereotypes were best tackled by ensuring that all jobs are properly described and all assessments involved the use of relevant information against agreed job criteria, with appropriate training and development essential to maintaining best practice. Moreover, training and development activities should concentrate on actual individual differences, rather than stereotypical generalisations about such differences. Finally, an evidence-based, gender-neutral leadership framework was proposed. The leadership framework is relevant to would-be leaders, line managers and human resource professionals, including training and development specialists. Social implications – The research findings are relevant to understanding the intersection between sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service. They relate to wider social issues concerning equal opportunities and diversity. Originality/value – There is an extensive body of theory and research on the intersection between sex, gender and leadership. However, very little focuses specifically on the UK Civil Service. These research findings and the subsequent analysis are, therefore, original. The gender-neutral, evidence-based leadership framework is an original contribution to both theory and practice.