Real and Perceived Differences Between Male and Female Leaders Although we are built similarly, the physiological differences between men and women are fairly easy to spot. Men and women differ in shape, size and reproductive organs; there is no doubt about this. Observing behavioral differences between men and women requires observation, statistical testing, and research. To accurately evaluate male and female behavioral differences, we must first understand perception, and to understand perception we must study how behavior is observed and interpreted. This opens up a new realm of possibilities, as societies around the world differ on the expected roles for male and female. For the sake of objectivity, this report will focus on the actual and perceived differences between male and female leaders. The report will study how men and women differ in expressing leadership and how their leadership is interpreted by facts and also by perception. The report will examine peer-reviewed research literature that addresses male and female leadership differences present in the contemporary executive, managerial and political context. The report will also examine statistical data and an interview that directly addresses the issue of actual and perceived differences between male and female leadership. An observation conducted specifically to interpret the perceived differences between male and female leaders by lower-level employees will also be used as research knowledge on the topic. The information obtained in the literature and observations will then be compared with the concepts covered in the article “A Framework for Understanding Social Identity Perspectives” in the textbook “Understanding and Managing Diversity.” Bottom line… half of the article… Personal, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles: A meta-analysis comparing women and men. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 569–591.Harvey, C,. and Allard, M. J. (2009). Understanding and managing diversity (4th ed.). Upsaddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.Heilman, M. E., Block, C. J., & Martell, R. F. (1995). Sexual stereotypes: do they influence the perception of managers? Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 10, 237–252. Powell, G. N. (1990). Again: Do male and female managers differ? Academy of Executive Management, 12, 731–743. not available. (2009). Make women visible and powerful in the media. In the Women's Media Center. Retrieved 03/30/2011 from http://www.womensmediacenter.com/.Mary Robinson. (October 25, 2010). How women drive differently than men. In thinking big. Retrieved 03/29/2011 from http://bigthink.com/ideas/24227