Citation

Smith DG, Reed K. J. Leadersh. Organ. Stud. 2010; 17(1): 87-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1548051809347107

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study explores the effects of cultural expectations and critical life events on women’s leadership influence in Appalachia, a unique subculture of the United States. Using a sample of 347 female MBA students, the researchers examined the impact of education, gender bias, family/work issues, and family violence on leadership influence. Not only did results demonstrate significant relationships between education and gender bias with leadership influence, but also these relationships were moderated by culture-leadership style fit. In both researching and developing leaders, special attention needs to be paid to the culturally specific ideologies, events, and other idiosyncrasies within national subcultures.