What makes women HR leaders different from their male counterparts?

It's important to note that gender alone does not determine the qualities or skills that make someone a successful HR leader. However, research suggests that there may be differences in how women and men approach leadership in HR roles.

One study found that women HR leaders tend to be more collaborative and focused on building relationships and creating a positive organisational culture. They also tend to be more empathetic and emotionally intelligent, which can help them better understand the needs and concerns of employees.

Women HR leaders have a more inclusive style of management. They can foster a positive work environment that is open to different opinions and ideas, leading to more innovation and successful team projects. Women are also more likely to prioritise employee well-being and satisfaction, ensuring that the workplace is a safe and comfortable space for all employees.

Women HR leaders often bring a greater level of emotional intelligence to the table. They are better able to recognise and respond to the emotions of their employees, which in turn leads to more effective communication and problem-solving. Women HR leaders are also more likely to take an empathetic approach to management, which allows them to better understand their employees and their needs.

Diversity in perspective: Women HR leaders bring a unique set of skills to the table that make them different from their male counterparts. Women tend to have a more diverse background, which helps them understand the needs of the workforce better. They also bring a different perspective to the table and are more likely to take a holistic approach to HR management.

Finally, women HR leaders are often better suited to leading in a global environment. They are more likely to be open to different cultures and perspectives, which helps them to better negotiate with international partners and stakeholders.


On the other hand, male HR leaders may be more task-oriented and focused on achieving specific goals and objectives. They may also be more assertive and decisive in their decision-making.

Women HR leaders are often more focused on developing and nurturing relationships with employees, while men HR leaders are more likely to focus on the financial and organisational aspects of the role.

Overall, the different perspective that women HR leaders bring to the table makes them valuable assets to any organization. They can create a productive and positive work environment that leads to increased employee satisfaction and better overall results.


Of course, there are generalisation and there are many individual differences within each gender. Ultimately, the most effective HR leaders are those who can combine a variety of skills and approaches and productive work.

(Sandeep Budhiraja, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Chief People Officer, BYLD Group) - IANSLife