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The gender of the work environment: the experiences of women managers in male-dominated occupations in perceived masculine and feminine environments

Batia Ben-Hador

Gender in Management: an international journal2026https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-05-2025-0273article
AJG 1ABDC B
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0.50

Abstract

Purpose Different work environments offer various experiences for women managers in male-dominated occupations. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of workplace gender (feminine/masculine) on the leadership style, social capital level and visibility of women managers in male-dominated occupations. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted by using qualitative research methods. A content analysis was used to analyze 53 interviews with women managers in male-dominated occupations. Findings Four themes were identified and aggregated into two patterns of practices of women in male-dominated occupations. The aggregated themes indicate that the women managers in perceived masculine environments typically use a task-oriented leadership style and tend to stand out, relying mostly on personal and external social capital. On the other hand, women managers in male-dominated occupations, who work in perceived feminine environments, typically use a relationship-oriented leadership style and prefer to integrate, relying mostly on personal and intra-organizational social capital. Originality/value The perceived gender of the work environment for women in a male-dominated occupation plays a significant role in management practices and career paths. These findings enrich and expand gender and management theories, explaining how different environments can lead to different outcomes.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-05-2025-0273

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@article{batia2026,
  title        = {{The gender of the work environment: the experiences of women managers in male-dominated occupations in perceived masculine and feminine environments}},
  author       = {Batia Ben-Hador},
  journal      = {Gender in Management: an international journal},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-05-2025-0273},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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