The Evolution of Female Leadership Research: A Bibliometric Review of Publications over the Past 20 Years

Recently, there has been great interest in female leadership due to the forces of globalisation and evolving dynamics in leadership influence, even beyond formal authority structures. The objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of female leadership research from the past two decades, with the aim of discerning changing trends, patterns, and prominent themes in the literature. To accomplish this, we searched relevant databases and used bibliometric methods, including tracking publication trends, analysing authorship patterns, performing keyword analysis, and examining the distribution of papers in scholarly journals. This systematic approach was designed to bring together a comprehensive collection of publications on women's leadership. The findings reveal the evolution of female leadership research, highlighting shifts in theoretical frameworks, emerging topics, and influential authors. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering information on the trajectory of female leadership research and identifying areas for future exploration. It underscores the increasing recognition of gender diversity in organisational leadership and the significance of addressing gender disparities in leadership positions. The insights derived from this study can inform scholars, practitioners and policymakers seeking to advance gender equality in leadership roles. By identifying key themes and trends, this research provides valuable guidance for fostering inclusive leadership environments and promoting opportunities for women in leadership positions.