Implementation of female leadership characteristics within the German football industry – Illusion or possible option?

Abstract

In this study, it was shown that female leadership traits are of use within a male dominated industry but in combination with male leadership skills only, a socalled androgynous leadership style. These findings were related to the time this thesis was written. The dissertation examined the use of female leadership characteristics within the German football industry, differences between male and female leadership styles in general as well as within the chosen male domain. Furthermore, situations in which female characteristics are of benefit were identified. In order to identify stereotypical way of thinking related to gender in leadership positions within the football industry in Germany an experiment was being conducted, followed by an in-depth face-to-face interview with persons from different departments of one football club. Half of the participants were female to create a fair and equal unit of analysis. The majority of the participants, women as well as men, were of the opinion that the female leadership style, as one, cannot be used within the football industry but in comparison with masculine traits. This special form of leadership style is the so-called androgynous leadership style. Referring to the research findings, the German football industry will not be prepared to have the female leadership style only within the near future but evidence for the acceptance could be identified.