Leadership and the Intersecting Influences of Gender and Culture: A Study of Ethnic Chinese Women Leaders in the UK

The paper reports a study of the experiences and practices of a group of ethnic Chinese women in the UK who are in organisational leadership positions. Findings include that despite their leadership roles, participants inconsistently reported a leadership identity. In addition, natal Chinese culture and being a woman both appeared to influence their leadership practice. Modesty, conflict avoidance and collectivist values were all identified as cultural and gendered influences on their leadership behaviours and were described as disadvantageous by some. Despite this, these influences resonate with person-orientation and emotional intelligence, and indeed, the women reported leadership that was effective and value-adding. Nevertheless, migrant status also appeared to modify behaviours as the women adapted to organisational and cultural expectations in the new country. By exploring the intersection of gender, culture and migrant status on the experiences of being a leader, the paper contributes to the body of knowledge on leadership and diversity and the development and support implications for organisations.