Study Reveals Significant Benefits of Female Managers in Mixed Teams
A study led by Jorge Tamayo of Harvard Business School reveals that female managers bring significant advantages to mixed teams, improving productivity and performance within organizations. This finding is based on the analysis of relationships within teams and their impact on performance.
Importance of Communication and Relationships
The research shows that poor performance is often due to a lack of communication and inadequate relationships between managers and employees. Female managers are particularly effective in establishing good relationships within mixed teams, resulting in increased productivity and improved sales.
On the other hand, teams with male leadership and a majority of female employees often suffer from weaker relationships, hindering performance.
Methodology and Results
The research team studied a fast-food chain in Colombia, analyzing millions of transactions to understand the impact of manager and employee gender on managing peak demand.
They found that teams where managers and employees shared the same gender had better communication, more trained and qualified workers, and higher sales.
Female managers, in particular, spend more time on planning and employee training, resulting in increased flexibility and better performance. They are also more attentive to employees' needs and preferences, reducing turnover and improving team morale.
Implications for Management
The study's results highlight the importance of investing in managers' relational skills. Female managers, due to their ability to establish good relationships, are better positioned to lead mixed teams.
Tamayo suggests that companies should not only strive for gender parity in leadership but also prepare women to succeed by improving their representation at all levels of management.
