WOMEN, LEADERSHIP, AND EMPOWERMENT

This paper is a review of leadership research, focusing primarily on w omen as leaders. The more recent perspective of studying leaders by ex amining followers is included; but research is sparse as to how leader s are perceived as empowering by their subordinates. A study in progre ss, conducted by Denmark, Nielson, and Scholl, indicates that stereoty pes were more typically held by women against female leaders. However, a leader's ability to be empowering varies with status. The higher th e status, the more empowering that individual is perceived, whether fe male or male. Yet, more men than women held higher status positions. M ore women are needed in high-level positions to better assess leadersh ip and empowerment.