Why do we think Man when we think Manager?

Learn about the "Think Manager–Think Male" bias, its impact on women in leadership, and how it perpetuates stereotypes, discouraging women from aspiring to managerial roles.

What is it and why is it relevant for women?

The term “Think Manager–Think Man” was first derived from Virginia E. Schein’s research whereby she found that effective leadership is stereotypically linked with masculinity, often disadvantaging women who may employ different, yet equally effective, leadership styles.  

This bias perpetuates stereotypes and views such as Think Crisis-Think Woman, reinforcing the idea that men are inherently better suited to leadership, which discourages young women from aspiring to managerial positions and if the women do get promoted, they are more likely to fall to the glass cliff effect.