Gendered Influence:Differences in the Perceived Use of Influence Tactics

The present paper attempts to understand the role of gender congenial workplaces, as well as the role of gender of the agent and the target, in the perceived use of downward influence tactics. The researcher selected 40 organisations assumed to be gender congenial to females, and 40 organisations assumed to be gender congenial to males. Five employees reporting to a single leader, served as sample respondents from each organisation, making a total of 400 employee respondents for the study. The sample respondents were administered a questionnaire, comprising of demographic details, and a measure of downward influence tactics. Findings reveal significant differences in the perceived use of downward influence tactics between male- and female-congenial workplaces. Male and female employees significantly differ in their leader's perceived use of influence tactics. Also, male and female leaders are seen as differing significantly in their use of downward influence tactics.