Mind your aspirations: Gender differences in a sample of junior and senior leaders

Abstract or Summary

Self Determination Theory (SDT) asserts aspirations (life goals) of personal growth, relationship and community (intrinsic aspirations) support wellbeing, whereas aspirations for wealth, image and fame (extrinsic aspirations) are detrimental. The following study explores aspirations on a sample of 337 leaders, testing the differences by gender. Findings show that there are a number of significant differences, with females reporting significantly higher image aspirations, as well higher intrinsic aspirations (personal growth, relationships, and community). Exploring the sample by junior/senior leaders finds similar differences between genders in junior leaders, with female junior leaders reporting significantly higher aspirations towards image, personal growth, and relationships. However, in senior leaders there was only one significant difference with female senior leaders reporting higher image aspirations than males.