Female HR managers tend to use more disclaimers and questions in their boardroom speeches. Male executives may consider these to be signs of insecurity arising from ignorance or from impractical ideas. To avoid being perceived as weak, women HR managers learn to mold themselves to fit the masculine paradigm of modern executive culture.
However, studies have revealed that transformation doesn't ensure success. Female employees often expect women bosses to be more lenient than men, and when women HR managers fail to fit this stereotype, they are labeled as "masculine." If they fail to champion women's issues, they are called "queen bees." Finally, aggressive behavior exhibited by males in senior positions is often accepted. However, when it comes to female managers, such behavior will often be labeled as "bitchy."
Although much has changed in the past few decades, male and female HR professionals must continue to work to ensure the corporate environment truly fosters equality.
