Attitudes towards women as managers: does interaction make a difference?

Abstract

This research was designed to explore the relationship between interaction with women managers and attitudes toward women as managers. Data were collected from 101 male bank managers on the extent of their interaction with women managers and their attitudes toward women as managers. Results showed little relation between the extent of interaction with women managers and participants' attitudes. However, there was a significant positive relationship between satisfaction with interaction with women managers and attitudes toward women as managers. Discussions with participants indicated the possibility of their attitudes toward women as managers being influenced by their interaction with women clerks. A second study was carried out on another set of 99 participants with a comparable profile to explore the relationship between interaction with women clerks and attitudes toward women as managers. The earlier pattern of relationships persisted: the extent of interaction with women clerks was not associated with attitudes toward women as managers. But satisfaction with interaction with women clerks, and attitude toward women as managers appeared to relate. Implications for theory, practice, and research are presented.