Addressing unconscious gender bias: strategies for leadership development
Development and Learning in Organizations
ISSN: 1477-7282
Article publication date: 11 July 2023
Issue publication date: 12 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Although parity in workplace representation and leadership roles for women has improved, culturally embedded structural barriers, practices, and policies within organizations remain. Organizations can improve inclusivity by understanding the characteristics and impact of unconscious gender bias and implementing related leadership development programs.
Design/methodology/approach
This brief examines women’s progress in the workforce and in leadership roles, reviews the characteristics of unconscious bias and its impact on women’s workforce representation, and identifies strategies for addressing gender bias through leadership development.
Findings
Leadership research and theory suggest the benefits of organizational training that entails both women-only and mixed-gender training, self-knowledge of leadership styles, examination of assumptions about masculine and feminine ways to lead, and the value of authenticity.
Originality/value
The brief offers practical insights into unconscious gender bias for human resources teams, managers, and leadership trainers by examining assumptions about gender and gendered leadership beliefs.
Keywords
Citation
Andrade, M.S. (2024), "Addressing unconscious gender bias: strategies for leadership development", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 31-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-02-2023-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited