Women and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Women and Leadership - Essay Example Women are underrepresented in some of even basic positions, for example, welfares that advocate for women empowerment and equality. Men continue to dominate some of the major institutions present in the world today, with a popular saying that emanates from the above like, ‘behind every successful man, there is a woman.’ Such sayings only serve to remind people that it is a male dominated world (Klenke 123), and that it will not come easy. This paper will examine some of the crucial aspects behind women and leadership, and why it is crucial for the leadership gap to be reduced, especially in these changing times. Women are generally considered to be the weaker sex, when compared to their male counterparts. Some of the characteristics that distinguish women from men include their assertive and persuasive natures. This may make them take risks that men would not otherwise take when in a leadership position. Some may take this as a sign that a woman leader may be reckless in her judgment, hence making her a poor leader. This is often attributed to the fact that women tend to work harder while in these positions, and against the status quo present in society (Martin 97). Focus and determination often arise from such a fight, which may then determine her place in a male-dominated environment that is waiting for one moment to prove that women are indeed, the weaker sex. Characteristics of women fighting for leadership positions The issue of education has been brought up as one of the many factors that have led to the rise in a number of women leaders. Education is a particularly powerful tool that has helped empower women into different positions in society today. Men, many at times, are intimidated by a well-educated woman who has it together and has a way forward. In my belief, education is the most crucial element for any person who wants to play a leadership role in a changing environment that needs the diversity and control that it might be missing. The assertive and persuasive attitude that embodies the woman leader often stems from the education aspect (Martin 106). It is these aspects that make some of the women leaders present a force that is driving the woman leadership phenomenon. Stepping out from what is considered the norm is what drives some of the women leaders presently. The adversity and challenges they face force them to take risks and directions never taken before, just to prove they can also do what men can do. Women leaders take the risk if they think that such moves are right and moral (Klenke 125). Abstract thinking could be the reason behind actions that need urgency and a quick mind. Team-building and inclusive aspects of the women leader are fundamental in their growth. It is common to find women leaders incorporating some of these aspects in their organizations. This often endears them to their employees, some of whom might be men who consider themselves more traditional and do not have to work under a wo man. Current position of women leaders in modern society The low number of women in some of the biggest institutions in the world at the moment is shocking. Religion, academia, politics, law, and even business are some of the most fundamental institutions in the world. The number of female representation in these fields indicates that a large number of women are stuck somewhere (Paludi and Coates 86). This is because the number of women who graduate with top honors in some of the above fields is surprisingly large. In law, for instance, half of entrants into this field are women. Unfortunately, the number of female law school deans, firm partners, and even federal judges is shockingly at its lowest. So, one might beg the

Group dynamics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Group dynamics - Term Paper Example Purpose of a group forms its background and the process through which this is achieved makes it operational. Team is structured, requires coordinated interaction to reach the set goal and all the members stand responsible for its activities. A congregation of individuals qualifies to be called a group based on Kurt Lewin’s parameters, which specify that the members should interact, are interdependent, influence each other, the members feel belongingness, have a structure, work towards a common goal and are recognised as a group by others. Task and relationship-based interactions develop in groups, through which people connect and affect each other. 2. Group as a social system Groups are social entities with a membership of 2 or more persons. They are viewed as units of socialization, interaction, centres of intellect and learning. Group is a locus for connecting with people and hangers for emotional support. People group in order to support the realisation that they share simi lar ideologies. Interdependence and cooperation, which are interpersonal and social qualities are essential for the formation of groups. They never exist in vacuum, but are related and dependent on other groups. Groups may be classified as primary or secondary(classified by Charles Horton Cooley) and planned or emergent ones. Close and personal interactions occur frequently among primary group members. They form the basis for socialising and platform for showcasing the ideas, values and opinions of members. Secondary or nucleated groups are sized big, formal and the size may not permit one-to-one relation among members. They are help members socialise, but not as much as primary groups. Planned groups work for a common goal. Their formation is initiated from an exterior source, organisation or individual or other groups. Emergent groups, as the name suggests, emerge as the people find themselves bound by circumstances, location or situation (Corey, Corey, and Corey ). T-groups, a pr oposition by Kurt Lewin, are interpersonal training groups, that facilitate bonding among members, building trust and interact on both work-related and personal issues. The source of learning and improvement is feedback from the other members of the team. 3. Group Development In order to comprehend group dynamics, it is important to study the process and theories related to their development (Forsyth ). Lot of studies and research addressed the concept. Tubb has phased group development into orientation, conflict, consensus and closure and Fisher suggested orientation, conflict, emergence and reinforcement model. Bruce Tuckman suggested 4 stages of group development, which consists of forming, storming, norming and performing. Adjourning has been appended later. a. Forming During this phase, individuals mingle with each other and communicate, in an attempt to arrive at their purpose of association. They assess their respective comfort zones. Leaders play a vital role in facilitating this understanding and walking them towards the next stage. b. Storming Here, the members share their views, assemble with others sharing similar thoughts and socialise. Leader persuades them to open up and streamlines their ideas, differences etc towards the group goals. Socialisation is the process of adaptation of the members to the purpose, situation and other members. Active involvement on the part of members is crucial at this stage.