Leadership styles: perceived differences between male and female leaders in the fields of finance and accounting

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify how accounting and finance professionals perceive the leadership styles adopted by their male and female leaders. In order to analyze the hypothesis that there are differences in leadership styles between men and women, a bibliographical review of leadership style and contingency theories was carried out. For the data collection, an electronic survey was carried out, using an adapted version of the EAEG (Escala de Avaliação do Estilo Gerencial) scale proposed by Melo (2004), totaling 278 valid responses. Although the general hypothesis has been rejected, the results indicate that women still face differences in their chances of assuming leadership positions.