Social relations among managers: old boys and young women's networks

Authors: WaldstrÂ°m, Christian; Madsen, Henning

Source: Women in Management Review, Volume 22, Number 2, 2007 , pp. 136-147(12)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose - This study seeks to investigate whether there are gender differences in the importance placed on two types of network support among managers in organisations. Prior research indicates that it can be expected that female managers will not have their social contact needs satisfied to the same extent as their male colleagues and that female managers do not regard their nearest colleagues as friends to the same extent as male managers. Design/methodology/approach - Large scale survey of managers in Denmark. Findings - The first hypothesis is neither supported nor rejected, since the gender differences are strongly influenced by age, when controlling for sector, marital status, and children living at home. While male managers tend to see their colleagues more as friends, the older they are, the reverse is true of female managers. The second hypothesis is clearly rejected, since no gender differences are found. Originality/value - The paper identifies the crucial role of age in the gender differences in perception of social support, offering a new interpretation of female managers' use of workplace networks.

Keywords: Gender; Managers; Networking; Social behaviour

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09649420710732097

Publication date: 2007-03-20