By Ms. Tay Lee Hoon, Head of Cheng & Co’s Women Leadership Centre
Challenging Stereotypes: Women as Capable Leaders
Despite persistent stereotypes and biases in certain parts of the world, women have proven themselves to be equally, if not more, capable than men in leadership positions across various sectors, including business, the corporate world, and politics. Multiple global research organizations have conducted credible studies that support this claim.
Research Supporting Women’s Leadership Abilities
For instance, a 2015 Pew Research Center survey on women and leadership revealed that most Americans perceive women as equally capable as men in leading in the corporate world or politics. In terms of key leadership characteristics, such as intelligence and innovation, women are often considered on par or even superior in areas like compassion and organization. A 2014 analysis in the Journal of Applied Psychology further found that women are rated as highly as men and sometimes even higher in terms of perceived effectiveness as leaders.
Recent data collected by the Hay Group division of international advisory firm Korn Ferry demonstrated that women scored higher than men on almost all emotional intelligence competencies, with no observed gender differences in emotional self-control. This study, released in March 2016, analyzed data from 55,000 professionals across 90 countries and all levels of management from 2011 to 2015.
Women Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Sectors
Countless real-life examples showcase women excelling at the top, particularly in male-dominated sectors. Influential female leaders can be found in both corporate and political spheres, with the 2016 Fortune 500 list featuring names like Mary Barra of General Motors, Indra Nooyi of Pepsico, and Ginni Rometty of IBM. Similarly, in the political realm, women have held top leadership positions in over 70 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.
Overcoming Obstacles and Balancing Responsibilities
Despite these successes, it’s undeniable that women still face significant obstacles in their career paths, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields like accountancy. For women, especially those with families, one of the most significant challenges is balancing work and household commitments. However, high-powered women executives worldwide have demonstrated that this is not an insurmountable task. With determination, support, and the right mindset, women can find success in top positions while still caring for their families.
In spite of the progress made in recent years, there is still work to be done in the fight against gender bias. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” highlights that women’s self-confidence needs to be nurtured and that, as a society, we need to address both gender bias and the perception issues that come with it.
Fostering Future Female Leaders
Cheng & Co’s Women’s Leadership Centre, established in 2016, is committed to empowering women and cultivating their talent. As the head of this center, I am dedicated to inspiring and nurturing more women within the Cheng & Co group, helping them excel in leadership roles. By fostering the growth of future female leaders and dismantling persistent biases, we can create a more equitable and successful society for all.
