A Comparative Analysis of the Attitudes Toward Women Managers in China, Chile, and the Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to determine if stereotypical perceptions of women as managers exist between men and women in three countries: the USA, China, and Chile. Based on the extant literature, hypotheses were developed and tested. Design/methodology/approach – Participants in the study were students enrolled in degree programs. The data were collected from the USA, China, and Chile using the “Women as Managers Scale”. The study explores attitudinal dimensions. Further, gender and country effects were identified at both multivariate and univariate levels. Findings – The findings show that stereotypical perceptions of women as managers exist between men and women in the USA, China, and Chile. US and Chilean men had more positive perceptions of women as managers than Chinese men. Chinese men and women displayed the lowest perceptions of women as managers. Originality/value – The results of this study offer useful insights for international managers on the perceptions of women as managers in three distinct countries. Implications for research and practice in international management shed additional light on this important topic. © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited