Aim: To examine the relationship between gender role stereotypes and
requisite managerial characteristics within the nursing and midwifery
profession.
Background: Studies have been carried out to determine gender role stereotypes
and requisite managerial characteristics across a number of industries and
among student samples. No study has been
carried out within the nursing and midwifery profession.
Method: In order to allow for direct comparisons with previous
research Schein’s Descriptive Index (SDI) was used in this research. A total 239 undergraduate and 171 post
experience responses were collected.
Results: Female nurses and
midwives did not gender type the managerial role, while males gender typed the
managerial role in favour of men.
Student nurses and midwives recorded a stronger correlation between
women and management than their qualified counterparts.
Implications for nursing management: Males gender typed the managerial role in
favour of men. With an increase in
numbers of men joining the profession and increased representation of males at Clinical
Nurse Manager (CMN) level there is a possibility that the profession will
become two tiered. Health care organisations should pay careful consideration
to career development and implement career structures which ensure equal access
to managerial roles for both genders.