PANEL

DISCUSSION
ESSAY
4/17/17

Radzik, Thomas C.

MGMT-226-01 |Panel Discussion Essay

#1
Introduction:
For this assignment, it is asked for us to write about a topic that was
assigned to us. The topics focused on leadership today, and some of the
different arguments, issues, and points involved with it. The topic I was given
is; women are better leaders than men. The assignment is to be supported
with research, and some personal information to support and explain my
view. This paper should be relevant to the knowledge we have learned, and
should explain my thoughts on the topic.

Gender has always played a role in leadership, and always will. People
from both sides of the argument have made great points and, historically
there both sides have had great leaders. I think for this issue is one that can
only be solved bases on a situation-to-situation basis. Women and men alike
are better at different things in the work force, and can lead in different
ways. But there are also many places where either can shine. But like the
prompt speaks to, women are supposedly better leaders than men.
To start, what is a leader? Dictionary.com would describe a leader as,
a person or thing that leads. (dictionary.com, 2017), but a leader is far
more than just this simple definition. Throughout the years both men and
women have stepped up to the plate, and been much more than just
someone who leads. Men like MLK, Steve jobs, and many others have laid the
foundation for male leadership in todays world; just like women have
Michelle Obama, Oprah and many others. I dont think gender plays a role in
defining who a good leader really is. This argument has been ongoing
throughout time and will probably till the end of human existence. While both
sides present great points, there is still no real definite answer today, or in
history.
Now the argument here is that women are better leaders than men,
and theres many reasons that may be true. Women have great skills, and
its understandable that people think, and present this idea. Women are
better at many things than men that would make them better leaders, like
communication, Tindell believes that women possess an innate skill set that
caters towards communication, empathy and emotional intelligencethe key
pillars of conscious capitalism. (Whitten, 2015). Women have always related
better to people than men in my own opinion, but that is not to say that men
dont communicate as well.
Like the alternate side, men have also made points about being better
leaders than women. Like females, the traits males possess play a key part in
who well they lead. Each gender has specific reasons they are better leaders
in some situations. Stereotypes have played a huge part in forming this
argument, and will ultimately always be the reason this issue exists. While
females have communication men also have strong traits in their corner as
well, men tend to be more task-oriented while women take on a more
interpersonal style of leadership. (Knowlege@Wharton, 2005). Men are
more aggressive and can help in situations where direction needs to be
given, men can stand up and direct others where women are less likely to
want to this.
Both sides of the argument have great points, but who is really the
right one? It is simple to argue both sides, but some people have broken it
down for us. A female writer from Forbes has made a statement that is
arguable for many, In general I am against gender stereotyping. But I also
believe that if we had more female leaders the world would be a better
place (Klotz, 2011). But when it comes to the male side, it is also something
they have spoken up about. In different situations men can be a better
leader. In many organizations male leaders are better, and have been proven
to be better leaders, results suggested that the culture of the organization
makes a difference: in traditionally male dominated, masculine organizations
like government or the military, male leaders were more effective (Bailey,
2014). While both sides make a strong argument, there is no real answer to
this issue.
When it comes to my own opinion, I think gender doesnt really matter
in leadership. Both men and women have done great things, and lead the
world to success. But this issue has really been something people want to
know about, and have looked at for many years. Many different studies have
taken place to figure out the real answer who is a better leader. Companies
all over have done research and want to find this answer. Woman have many
different characteristics that make them a different type of leader than a
male figure in the workplace. Every work place and individual has the chance
to make a good leader whether male or female. With being a male, I have to
argue that men are better leaders. I have always had strong male leaders in
my life, like coaches, teachers, and others; but I have also had many strong
women leaders as well. This argument is true, and both false. Depending on
the situation and environment, yes women are better leaders, but it does
truly depend on the situation at hand, and the work surroundings.
Works Cited
Bailey, S. (2014, jul 23). Who Makes A Better Leader: A Man Or A Woman?
Retrieved 4 15, 2017, from Forbes.com:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastianbailey/2014/07/23/who-makes-
a-better-leader-a-man-or-a-woman/#2d11280b1260

dictionary.com. (2017). dictionary.com. Retrieved 4 15, 2017, from leader:

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/leader

Klotz, F. (2011, Nov 08). Forbes.com. Retrieved 4 15, 2017, from Why Women
Make Better Leaders:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/friedaklotz/2011/11/08/why-women-
make-better-leaders/2/#32f943991c70

Knowlege@Wharton. (2005, OCT 05). The Masculine and Feminine Sides

of Leadership and Culture: Perception vs. Reality. Retrieved 4 15, 2017,
from knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu:
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/the-masculine-and-
feminine-sides-of-leadership-and-culture-perception-vs-reality/

Whitten, S. (2015, jun 24). 3 reasons women make better leaders: Kip
Tindell. Retrieved 4 15, 2017, from cnbc.com:
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/24/3-reasons-women-make-better-
leaders-kip-tindell.html