Leading the Future - How the Gender of Leaders Influences the Development of a Supportive Organizational Culture in the Hybrid Work Era School of

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the gender of organizational leaders and their influence on the development of a supportive organizational culture in the context of hybrid work, with a focus on their specific actions and behaviors. Research question: How does the gender of organizational leaders influence the development of a supportive organizational culture in the context of hybrid work? Literature review: The literature review consisted of both more traditional theories such as the full-range leadership theory, but also newer management theories, especially with regards to the new trend of hybrid work settings. The literature review further has a structure that is designed according to the research question of the study. First, theories about gender are presented, which are followed by theories about leadership and organizational culture. Methods: This research has a qualitative focus on data collection. The research design was multiple-case study, comparing female and male leadership approaches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video meetings, with an equal number of male and female leaders working with professional teams at offices located in Sweden. The analysis was further conducted through thematic analysis. Conclusions: This research concludes that leaders who exhibit androgynous behavior, with an extra emphasis on “feminine” traits, are more likely to develop a supportive organizational culture. This highlights the value of being person-and relationship-oriented and fostering collaboration in developing a supportive culture consisting of trust, well-being, collaboration and strong relationships.