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Male or female boss: who is better?

By Pooja Kaushal

The roles of men and women were defined very distinctively in olden times. Men were the hunters who would fend and provide for the family. Women would stay at home and take care of the family. But things have changed drastically over the years. While not many men have opted to stay back to take care of the family, many women have stepped out to make a career for themselves.

With women working in all possible fields, they have even climbed up ladders and taken up managerial positions. And this gives rise to another debate. Who is better, male or female boss? While many do not mind either gender to be their boss, there are others who prefer one over the other.

Let us explore some areas to compare both genders. Take a look.

Male or female boss: who is better?

Professional: As a general perception, men are considered to be more professional than women. They stick to their work and their only priority is to get things done within the stipulated time period. No excuses are accepted. Women, on the other hand, are not so rigid. If you approach them with a concern, they will be willing to hear you out.

Gossip: Women are known for gossiping. What is happening in another person’s life is often a matter of interest to them. Men, on the other hand, refrain from taking interest in an employee’s personal life. All that they are concerned with is the completion of the work.

Male or female boss: who is better?

Home-Office balance: Blame it on circumstances or the frame of mind, women find it difficult to get out of the home atmosphere. When in office, a part of their mind is at home. Men, when in office, are completely in office. Home is nowhere on their minds and problems or concerns related to home and family is completely set aside.

Understanding: Being way too professional can have its downside. This can make one rigid and not ready to consider another person’s problems. So, is it the male or female boss who is better? The female can be a bit more understanding. But there have been exceptions. Men have been found to be far more understanding than women.

Male or female boss: who is better?

Approachable: Would you find it easier to approach a male or a female boss? A lot depends upon your reason for meeting, the matter at hand and the present mood of the boss. While women are considered to have more mood swings, men can be uncompromising and ruthless.

Office politics:
In various surveys, women have been seen to prefer a male boss over a female boss. The reason being that women get too involved in office politics. This kind of attitude can be favourable for men as they will have nothing to worry about.

Male or female boss: who is better?

Communication: As professionals, it is important to maintain a certain degree of respect and space between members of the organisation. In difficult and ‘not-so-good’ times, conversations can get heated up and it has been seen that women tend to get more personal with negative remarks.

Story first published: Saturday, January 24, 2015, 10:15 [IST]
Read more about: boss pulse