Bitchy and emotional! How we write off women bosses

WOMEN bosses are frequently dismissed as emotional and bitchy regardless of their leadership qualities, research shows.

Colleagues often put them down using sexist language and outdated stereotypes, a survey of business owners found.

More than half of respondents had heard women bosses described as bitchy or emotional. Only one in eight had heard male employers labelled this way.

Almost 40 per cent of women had been called bossy, compared to less than a quarter of men.

When asked to describe themselves, women tended to use words such as supportive and fair, while men were likely to say they were risk-taking and ruthless.

The Government’s Business i s GREAT campaign, which commissioned the study of 1,500 entrepreneurs, said old fashioned stereotypes were holding women back in the workplace.

Business psychologist Cary Cooper, from Lancaster University, said the survey illustrated the different skills that each sex brings to the table.

He added: ‘The fact women business leaders associate themselves more with positive characteristics, such as being supportive and organised, highlights some of the reasons why. I believe we need more female business leaders. These are the key management skills that will drive success for the businesses of the future.’