 |
Some firmly believe that women make better bosses
because they are more empathetic and nurturing.
Others may say that women are too petty and emotional to be effective
heads of establishments or organizations.
Opinions in a debate
from speakers in the Women’s Summit
2011
held by Women, Family and Community
Development Ministry
with the theme Empowerment,
Innovation and Passion
|
|
1.
FOR
|
Dr. George Lee,
Clinical associate professor at Monash University
·
men are
obviously physically stronger
·
women enjoy
a longer life expectancy of at least 5 years longer
·
men have
this notorious risk-taking behavior, inability to cope with stress and tendency
to give up easily
·
men are
more dominant, dynamic and independent, but these qualities diminish when cracks
appear
·
men would
go into denial when faced with confrontational issues
·
women do
not lose sight of the big picture, are more focused and cope with stress
better
·
women adopt
a different approach and handle obstacles head on
|
2.
FOR
|
Hamidah Ibrahim,
Director of Global English
·
women
possess qualities like persuasiveness, persistence and compassion
·
a good boss
is someone who knows how to motivate and manage others
·
women lead
positively by encouraging others rather than giving negative enforcement
·
women’s
ability to read minds and body language make them better leaders as they
empower the staff and react faster in situations
·
women have
different approach to stress management, show empathy and are not afraid to
ask for advice
·
men don’t
even ask for directions. Instead, they
suffer in silent and sometimes turn to substance abuse for solace
·
women are
more tactful, diplomatic and turn in to the emotions of the people around her
|
3.
FOR
|
Karen Abraham,
partner at law firm for Shearn Delamore
·
the
dictionary defines boss as ‘’one who exercises authority’’
·
generally,
women have a higher EQ and possess self-awareness, good social and management
skills
|
4.
AGAINST
|
Datuk Dr Thavalingam C. Thavarajah, partner at low firm Lee Hishamuddin,
Allen&Gledhill
·
boss is
defined as ‘’the brains behind an organization or establishment’’
·
men and
women are obviously different
·
the social
view of women being equal to men is not true as clearly the different sexes
process information differently, and have different perceptions and behaviors. They have different strengths and
abilities.
·
research
points to men being able to compartmentalize and specialize. Their brain are configured to concentrate
on tasks, while women are multi-takers
·
men make
better bosses because they are more precise, not disengaged, more liberal and
close deals quickly
·
women are direct,
and emotive in leadership role
|
5.
AGAINST
|
Datin Dr. Low Pek See,
Consultant Pediatrician at Medical Outreach, Petaling Jaya
·
women are
not physiologically wired to be good bosses despite their caring and
meticulous attitude
·
women also
tend to be catty, gossipy and hormonal
·
surveys
conclude that 75% of men and 63% of women prefer male bosses
·
women say
they feel undermined by the women above them
·
female
bosses tend to be Vain, menacing when threatened and have poor personal
boundaries
|
6.
AGAINST
|
Adzhar Ibrahim,
regional head, people, Air Asia Group of Companies
·
women make
great coaches and mentors and may even be the household boss
|
The light hearted discussion (for and against)
by the panelist drew witty retorts from both sides. Giving fresh perspectives and refuted
prevailing perceptions. While saying
that raising children is still women’s top priority and they are good
listeners, empathetic and great coaches, Datuk Dr Thavalingam said, they are
not leaders.
The debate is assigned, and hence does not
reflect the panelist’s views: there is no clear victor outside the debate;
ultimately, it is up to the individual’s ability, regardless of gender, to lead
a company to success.
Pasty Kam
Women:Who’s
the boss?
Star2, Thursday 28 July 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment