Analyzing Women Leadership Skills for UK Business Growth

This report examines the critical role of women's leadership skills in fostering long-term business growth within the United Kingdom. It begins with an abstract highlighting the importance of women leaders and their contributions to UK businesses, followed by a detailed exploration of feminist leadership, its impact on business development, and the factors that either promote or hinder women in leadership positions. The research employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating both primary data collected through questionnaires and secondary data from various sources. The findings emphasize the significance of women in strategic roles, particularly in family businesses, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by societal perceptions. The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen women's leadership and enhance their contributions to business success, advocating for supportive workplace environments and opportunities for continuous learning and development. The study's framework includes objectives, research questions, expected outcomes, and a comprehensive methodology, including thematic analysis for data interpretation. The report aims to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of women's leadership and its influence on UK business performance.

Do women’ leadership skills sport long
term growth of the businesses

ABSTRACT
The role of women leadership is imperative in the organization due to possession of
several kind of skills among them. It gives the new direction to the business as their sense of
responsibility has huge contribution towards the success of the UK businesses. The present
report aims to analyze the role of women leadership skills in supporting the longer growth of the
businesses in United Kingdom. For this purpose, following mentioned objectives are set-
Objectives
 To understand the concept of feminist leadership
 To assess the impact of women leadership skills on the growth and development of UK
businesses
 To investigate the factors promoting and hindering women leadership
 To recommend different ways to strengthen women leadership for growth of the UK
businesses
The qualitative type of investigation has been selected for conducting entire study under
which both primary and secondary data are incorporated. The mode of primary data collected
was selected as questionnaire due to availability of less time. Furthermore, thematic analysis has
been applied for the analysis of collected both primary and secondary data. This proves to be
effective in deriving the valid outcome. The findings from the study reflects that women are
leading in the family business and the one where they are working due to their contribution
towards the strategic direction of the corporations. However, male dominating society and
negative perception of men towards them do affect their performance to a great extent.
Therefore women should be supported at workplace and society both so as to emerge
such kind of talent so as to determine the long term growth of the business. Furthermore, they
should be provided opportunities to attend learning program and update themselves in
accordance with the changing scenario. It would have positive impact on the performance of the
business.

ACKNOLWDGEMENT
Completion of dissertation is done in several activities or appropriate schedule of time
which is not possible without the immense support. Owing to this, I want to impart sincere
thanks to my mentor who helped me in selecting the right methodology and conducting the data
analysis. Also, I would like to say thanks to my fiends and colleagues who supported me during
the process of data collection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................6
1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Rationale of the study............................................................................................................7
1.3 Aim and objectives................................................................................................................7
1.4 Research questions.................................................................................................................8
1.5 Expected outcome..................................................................................................................8
1.5 Research framework..............................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................10
2.2 understanding the concept of feminist leadership................................................................10
2.3 Assessing the impact of women leadership skills on the growth and development of UK
businesses...................................................................................................................................12
2.4 Investigating the factors promoting and hindering women leadership................................14
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................18
3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................18
2.2 Research method..................................................................................................................19
2.3 Research philosophy............................................................................................................19
2.4 Research design ..................................................................................................................20
2.5 Research approach...............................................................................................................20
2.6 Data collection method........................................................................................................21
2.7 Sampling design...................................................................................................................21
2.8 Data analysis .......................................................................................................................22
2.9 Research limitation .............................................................................................................23
2.10 Ethical consideration..........................................................................................................23
2.11 Validity and reliability.......................................................................................................24
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................25
4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................25
4.2 Thematic analysis ................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................38
5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................38
5.2 Recommendation ................................................................................................................39

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................41
APPENDIX: QUESTIONNAIRE.................................................................................................45

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Leadership is essential for continuous growth of the business and managing all
operational activities effectively. The role of leader is very important for the consistent success
of the business and meeting its objectives in effectively. However, the issue related to leadership
surely have the negative impact on the performance by having the direct impact on the
workforce. Though, employees getting right direction from their leader tends to perform in the
better manner in comparison to the situation having the rigid team leader. In this context
businesses shed light on selecting right person on leading position and accordingly determining
the success of the business in the marketplace. Every business plan for sustainable growth along
with happier stakeholders (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). However, the issue related to
leadership make such kind of aspect critical and negative impact can be seen on internal
operation of the business.
In the modern era, family businesses are flourishing due to association of female in the
leading position. This makes it possible to accomplish the vision and mission of the business and
support it to expand at global level. The success formula related to associating women in the
business is important. For example, role models+inclusive environment long term thinking
women in leadership (Borthwick, 2015). This formula itself depicts the brand image of the
business. This is because women reacts in a very sensitive manner and they care for the long
term vision of the business. Owing to this, each and every of actions of thiers contribute towards
the successful completion of all business activities.
Currently appointment of more women at the leading position is making it possible for
other female to become the leader. They perceive the women also can do better and get the good
position in the organization. On a critical note, they are not provided good opportunities due to
cultural values and assumption (Lanaj and Hollenbeck, 2015). Owing to this, they too have the
negative perception related to such kind of growth. However, the changing scenario of business
is attracting more women the grab the higher position by showing their dedication and
concentration towards the work. Generally women are considered quite meticulous as their
decision are taken by soul and heart for the betterment of the business and people associated with
the same.

In addition to this, women work in the strong environment and apply different kind of
strategies so as to meet long as well as short term objectives effectively. This is helpful for the
betterment of the business and building the strong goodwill of the business in the marketplace.
However, the strong kind of environment assists women to look forward and cope up with
changing scenario so as to deliver the good quality of services to end users by maintaining the
strong brand image.
1.2 Rationale of the study
The position of leader is very important in the business for the taking the strategic action
and implementing the same in order to create the competitive edge. The study under
consideration seek for the long term growth of the business which can be possible with the
inclusion of right kind of leader. However, the trend of women leadership is becoming popular
due to success stories of the corporation. For this purpose, current investigation is based on the
analysis of role of women leadership skills in supporting the longer growth of the business in the
United Kingdom. This aids to focus on the issues which are being faced by the women
leadership and its direct impact on the performance. Furthermore, study under consideration will
address the power of women the change the strategic direction of business and meeting the
expectations of all related stakeholders (AlHajj and et. al., 2014). However, the major issues
related to leadership in the business is affecting the performance. These issues are not being
resolved even with the association of skilled personnel in every department. Owing to this, focus
is laid on women into power and its positive or negative impact on the business performance.
This proves to be effective to address the current issues which are being faced by the different
sectors of the UK and analyzing the role of women leadership that how effectively it contribute
towards the growth.
1.3 Aim and objectives
The aim and objectives of the study are constructed as follows. Here, researcher first of
all understand the concept of feminist leadership and then assess the impact of leadership skills
on the growth as well as development of UK businesses. The third objective shed light on varied
factors promoting and hindering the women leadership. In this manner, aim has been disunited
into several parts and in the form of objectives.
Aim

To analyze the role of women leadership skills in supporting the longer growth of the
businesses in United Kingdom
Objectives
 To understand the concept of feminist leadership
 To assess the impact of women leadership skills on the growth and development of UK
businesses
 To investigate the factors promoting and hindering women leadership
 To recommend different ways to strengthen women leadership for growth of the UK
businesses
1.4 Research questions
The research questions of the current study are framed in the light of research aim and
objectives. These are explained as follows-
 What is the concept of feminist leadership?
 How women leadership skills impacts growth and development of UK businesses?
 What are different factors promoting and hindering women leadership?
 What are different ways to strengthen women leadership for growth of the UK
businesses?
1.5 Expected outcome
The expected outcome of the current study will show the role of women is very important
in the organization for the integration of employees and effective utilization of limited resources.
It positively affect the business performance and contribute towards the success of the business.
It would be discovered that dedication, positivity and concentration of women is helpful for
betterment of the business. They take the logical decision with precise analysis of the business
situation along with long term perspective. In this manner, outcome will reflect that better
environment must be provided for contribution of women towards the success of the business.
This proves to be effective for financial growth of the corporation. Hence, role of women is
prominent in the long term growth and success of the business.
1.5 Research framework
The research framework for the current study has been explained as follow which covers
all related aspects which are helpful in collection as well as analysis of the data so as to

procedure valid outcome out of the study. The type of investigation applied for the current study
is qualitative as study demands for in-depth analysis that how effectively women leadership is
contributing towards the long term growth of the business (Silverman, 2016). In this manner,
theoretical perspective has been considered for the collection of information and analysis of the
same. Furthermore, interpretivism research philosophy has been applied so that research is not
limited to rely on facts and figures only. He can easily apply own knowledge in relation to
women leadership and contribution of the same towards the business success. Furthermore, both
primary and secondary data are collected where the previous form will be completed by using
the questionnaire method (Smith, 2015). The use of questionnaire method has been ensured to
save the time and collect the information in a precise manner. However, different sources such as
online articles, book and journals are applied for gathering the secondary data. Though, suitable
sampling design is very important for selecting the participants (Merriam and Tisdell, 2015). For
this purpose, purposive sampling has been selected to collect data from 20 employees of the
women leaded organization. Apart from this, procedure related to data analysis will be
completed with the help of thematic analysis. This aids to draw valid outcome with presentation
of collected data in a tabular or graphical form. Therefore, qualitative type of investigation has
been selected for collection of information and presentation the findings in a right or appropriate
manner for better understanding among readers (Farmer, 2016). Moreover, the selected methods
are appropriate for meeting the aim and objectives of the study in an effectual manner. In this
selected research methodology meets the objectives in best possible manner.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The chapter of literature review is very important which contain all important information
related to the study. This incorporate important theories and concepts related to women
leadership along with specific examples. It enables researchers to address the issues which are
being faced by the business in term of leadership and then provide the vivid insight for meeting
the framed research objectives. This chapter is completed by considering the research objectives
and preparing the themes accordingly. Furthermore, conceptual framework is also prepared in
the respective section whereby research can present the findings in a right manner. In addition to
this, different studies are referred for clarifying the scenario related to role of women leadership
in the present business along with their success stories.
Aim-
To analyze the role of women leadership skills in supporting the longer growth of the
businesses in United Kingdom.
Objectives-
 To understand the concept of feminist leadership.
 To assess the impact of women leadership skills on the growth and development of UK
businesses.
 To investigate the factors promoting and hindering women leadership.
 To recommend different ways to strengthen women leadership for growth of the UK
businesses.
2.2 Understanding the concept of feminist leadership
According to Aguirre, Master Cavanaugh and Sabbagh (2011) feminist leadership is the
process of sharing the power of women and organization of women. The sharing is done in
context of authority, decision making and other related aspects associated with the same. It
promotes the empowerment and building the capabilities of women to cope up with changing
scenario by seeking the long term perspective of the business. The application of feminist
leadership makes it possible to implement the social movement as they are more associated with
the social change. Generally, women consider the multiple communities through recognition and
shed light on the improvement in the society by taking the corrective actions. Al-Ahmadi (2011)

stated that feminist leadership represent the contradiction in terms as feminist equality contrary
to the leadership and feminism being opposite to the power. However, the leadership shed light
on certain characteristics such skills, traits and trust as well as empowerment in a person to lead
others and guide them in completing a certain task. Chin (2011) stated that, being women leader,
female personality is represented in a different manner which is like a passion for the world and
everyone admires them. This is because of three types of components such as norms & values,
skills and personal characteristics. The first one reflects skills such as learning abilities,
empowerment and cooperation as well as other related aspects which are helpful in handling the
business related task by holding the leading position (Chin, 2011). Furthermore, second aspect is
of norms and values under which it is observed that how a female team leader is transforming the
ideas into the action in an ethical manner. They consider their morale authority and apply the
standards for achieving the long as well as short term objectives of the business.
Altintas and Murat (2008) stated that women leadership is based on certain principles
such as fairness, justice and equality. Most of the women suffer through critical phase and thus
develop the capabilities to fight with injustice and support to people or other women in the
society. They focus on marginalizing certain issues and addressing the requirement of women
community in the society for providing them freedom. Feminist leadership is most involved
under the community development and collaboration whereby presence of every one is valued. It
provides the new direction for the business with the implementation of right kind of strategy by
seeking the long term growth and development of the business. On a critical note, shared power
is important in the feminist leadership. The women are empowered to work with integrity and
face the complicated situation of the business. However, it is because of their specific traits and
skills as they have got power to work several things at the same time. However, it is the fact that
overload of social responsibilities make them more responsible. Owing to this, the specific
attribute such as focusing on solution is discovered under the feminist leaders. They less like to
focus on problem by anticipating its direct impact on the business performance. They like to
discuss the issues with subordinate for the purpose of brining most suitable solution. It is in
context to the undertaken aim of this study which was carried to determine the contribution of
the women leaders in the long term sustainability of the business where this part has delineated

the elementary concept of feminist leadership. This in turn helped to ascertain such effective
characteristics of women leaders that leads to a durable existence of a successful business.
Cheung and Halpern (2010) explained that feminist leadership has power to find out
several solution of the single problem. They go to the root of issue and propose the valid
suggestions whereby corporation can ensure the stable performance with the increased rate of
return. Emergence of feminist leadership is possible only with the share power and education as
well as mentoring. It is because generally the leading positions are offered to men only. Owing to
this, women cannot be able to play the significant role in the organization. For this purpose,
aspects such as consultation, mentioning and equality are introduced under which role of women
was observed.
In addition to this, Idris (2007) asserted the role of women is increased towards the
gender equality at workplace as well as home. Yet, they are not provided the equal right in
context of leadership roles due to consideration of anomaly in comparison to men. Though, the
current era is representing the extensive contribution of the women towards the organizational
success. They are increasingly praised for the efforts put at workplace due to their excellence and
experience by taking the fruitful decision for the long term success of the businesses. They
manifest the most suitable kind of leadership style which become the reason behind the higher
level of growth of the corporation (Eifert, Miguel and Posner, 2010). This in turn corporation can
effectively determine the long run success. Nevertheless, they are considered on the leading
position just after the male leaders only. Thus, it is complex for them to become successful in the
male dominated leadership roles. However, they keep on focusing on opportunities in everything
such strategic partners, businesses and families etc. Such kind attitude of them allow
corporations to move towards the upward direction by managing all related activities in a
smartest manner. However, they do not only focus on smart ways but hard too. Moreover,
women are considered as the networking professionals through which they bring out the results
of their performance in relatively short time span. However, their target remains on long term
objectives. This leads to ensure to long run and sustainable growth of the business. They focus
on working together and taking risk for seeking the long term success of the corporation. It
makes them quite different from men leaders. This paragraph enlightened the role of women in
the tact of leadership where they are reported to take conspicuous and impractical decisions that