The appropriate leadership styles in times of crisis: a study of women in senior leadership positions in corporate South Africa

Abstract

Purpose

As women increasingly take on leadership roles during these turbulent times, the differences in their leadership styles in comparison to males in similar positions will continue to attract attention as it has in the past. The aim of this paper is to explore appropriate leadership styles that women in senior leadership positions facing the glass cliff have at their disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

This research method was qualitative. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a total of 17 participants in corporate South Africa; purposive and snowball sampling was used to select women in senior leadership positions.

Findings

Participants expressed overwhelming support for a transformational leadership style due to its characteristics; however, women leaders believe a style or combination of styles are used based on the situation at hand.

Research limitations/implications

Using only qualitative research has limited the scope and applicability of this study significantly.

Practical implications

The representation of women in senior leadership positions has increased over the years more especially in organisations where there is crisis, attention now is the difference in kind of leadership styles they use.

Originality/value

Very few research studies have gone in-depth into the effectiveness of the leadership styles that were used by women in corporate South Africa. The study, therefore, presents a major implication indicating that to show positive results, women need to be able to identify an appropriate leadership style based on carefully reviewing their specific organisational situation.

Citation

Mashele, W. and Alagidede, I.P. (2022), "The appropriate leadership styles in times of crisis: a study of women in senior leadership positions in corporate South Africa", Gender in Management, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 494-508. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-02-2021-0031