Managing a Workforce

Managing a workforce 1
Managing a workforce
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Managing a workforce 2
The congruity theory runs on the idea that the human mind strives for harmony (Health
Research Funding, 2019). This means that there should be consistency in individual thought.
Roles that involve influence and power in society have normally been perceived to be held by
men rather than women. On the other hand, women have been perceived always to hold lower
status roles. This form of division of labor gives birth to a belief of what women and men are
supposed to do in regards to their gender roles (Hoyt and Burnette, 2013, pg. 3). In relation to the
congruity theory, one of the outcomes of the gendered social roles is reduced complimentary
attitudes towards women in leadership and power.
Besides, the social roles of women are said to match some general characteristics;
therefore, any inconsistencies may create a prejudice (Hoobler, Wayne, and Lemmon, 2009, pg.
941). Women in leadership mostly experience this form of prejudice. The reason for this is
because the characteristics of the female gender stereotype clash with the “standard”
characteristics of a typical leader. Therefore, the evaluation brought forth about women in
leadership tends to be negative. The prejudice seen above comes from the incongruity among
associated stereotypes, perceived leadership requirements and the female gender role.
The biased evaluations acquired from gender stereotypes in leadership are resilient and
pervasive since they maintain men must take charge and women take care (Hoyt and Burnette,
2013, pg. 3). Men are viewed to have features that emphasize self-reliance, dominance and
confidence while women are connected with communal features primarily for showing concern
to other people. Therefore, men are considered to have the perfect traits needed in a leader due to
their agentic qualities which qualify them to have leadership prototypes.
According to the congruity theory, the perceived mismatch between female gender
prototypes and leader prototypes is the reason for more negative attitudes and prejudice towards