PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Zoe Brandstater

Industrial/Organizational
August 1991

Women Managers: The Relationship of Gender-Role Identity to Success and Effectiveness
 

    The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the factors that contribute to the glass ceiling in management.

It was hypothesized that a masculine gender role identity would be positively related to managerial success in women, and that an androgynous gender role identity would be positive related to managerial effectiveness in women.

    Fifty-two women managers from a variety of organizations in southern California were included in the study.  Managerial success was determined by information gathered from each manager.  Managerial effectiveness was determined by utilizing information obtained from each manager’s subordinates.

    A chi-square analysis found no significant positive relation between masculine gender role identity and managerial success in women.  Additionally, no significant positive relation was found between an androgynous gender role identity and managerial effectiveness.  Neither hypothesis was supported.
    Additional analysis was performed and the findings, as well as suggestions for further investigation, are discussed.

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