THE CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN IN EXECUTIVE POSITIONS AND THE ROLE OF GENDER ON LEADER MEMBER EXCHANGE

This study concentrates on the potential effects of glass ceiling and queen bee syndrome in establishing high quality exchange (leader member exchange) with subordinates. The study analyses if gender plays a significant role in determining exchange with subordinates. Data was collected from white-collar employees at Turkish business context by using Liden Maslyn (1998) multi-dimension Leader Member Exchange assessment tool. The findings of the study exhibit that in Turkish business context leader's gender is insignificant at determining exchange with white-collar subordinates for dimensions such as affection, contribution, loyalty and professional respect. The study also concludes gender of the subordinates is insignificant at determining the exchange with leaders of both genders.