Strategic leadership and management in the Philippines: dynamics of gender and culture

Abstract

A recent study of Filipina managers and entrepreneurs found that the meaning of strategic leadership and managerial behaviour in the Philippines was embedded in culture and gender dimensions. The study examined industry peer and employee perceptions and expectations of strategic leaders and strategic managers in the Philippines, and the ways in which effective Filipina business leaders in Metro Manila enact their roles in everyday work situations. Many effective Filipina business leaders integrated direct power roles-traditionally associated with male Filipinos-indirect power and influence strategies, and formal position power to achieve their strategic objectives. Gendered values in perceptions and expectations of women in leadership are identified, as are the ways in which effective leaders reconciled these tensions. The ways in which Filipino businesswomen integrated ethical leadership practices with gender role expectations and cultural dynamics are also analysed. The paper concludes that dimensions of business leadership must be examined through multiple lenses of gender as well as culture for a more complete understanding of effective strategic leadership and management.