Leadership And Management Styles Through the Lens of Women Managers in Software Companies, Cebu, Philippines

Abstract

This qualitative research study investigates the leadership and management styles from the perspective of Women Leaders in Software Companies in Cebu Business Park, Cebu, Philippines. This study aims to shed light on the experiences of female executives in the software sector and to pinpoint the elements that contributed to their success. Fifteen female leaders with at least three years of experience in the IT industry were chosen by purposive sampling to participate in the in-depth semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis and the results showed that Women Managers in Cebu’s Software Firms displayed a variety of leadership and management styles including democratic, paternalistic, authoritative, and laissez-faire management styles. The study also considered that the participants dealt with difficulties in their employment which included lack of work-life balance, career advancement issues, health concerns from work stressors, lack of support networks, and gender bias. Results of this study may help address these challenges in Software Companies by guiding the creation of leadership development programs and support groups, enhancing flexible work arrangements, programs to address gender bias against women, and other initiatives specific for the women leaders in Cebu Business Park. This study shows the need for more research on the leadership in this profession and help understand the experiences and leadership by the women leaders in the IT industry.