Women’s Leadership in Contemporary Organizations in Poland and Other EU Countries – Social and Economic Aspects

Purpose: The aim of the article was to assess equality between women and men over the last 15 years. An attempt was also made to characterize the female and male leadership styles. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to achieve this, Polish and EU reports characterizing the professional activity of women on the labor market and in European parliaments and in the management boards of listed companies were analyzed. Findings: Although women are strongly determined, the number of men in management positions is still higher, despite the implementation of anti-discrimination and equality legislation by the EU. Practical implications: The results of the research confirmed that it is necessary to continue the adopted policy of gender equality, because by combining the predispositions and skills of women and men, it is possible to create an excellent and effective team to manage the company. Originality: The modern economy – based on knowledge and new technologies – ennobles the features associated with a woman's style of thinking and acting. This creates a demand for a cooperative, non-hierarchical and based on partnership, relational and diversity management style. Only such an approach will allow us to take a step towards ensuring not only legal, but also actual equality of representatives of both sexes.