Her way: women presidents leading companies

This study examines the leadership styles provided by women in top corporate positions. Three women – each president of a southern California apparel manufacturing company – were selected for case studies. Major findings show an integrative leadership model characterised by task commitment, demonstrated by a “hands‐on” approach to work, personal sacrifice, multi‐tasking and goal orientation; a commitment to personal relationships with employees, shown by an emphasis on teamwork‐collaboration, egalitarianism and concern for employees; and power sharing, shown by information sharing, autonomous decision making and employee development. This integrative leadership has a strong impact not only on how women deal with employees within their companies but also on how they deal with external business constituents. The study concludes by showing that this leadership style lays a foundation for future studies of women’s leadership in other types of apparel industries as well as in other fields.