Abstract

Using uniquely detailed data from over 2000 professionals in 24 large corporations in Turkey, we investigate how female leaders shape workplace in the corporate world. First, we document that female leaders do not possess "male-like” characteristics but rather preserve their female qualities and they shape social interactions and workplace climate differently from male leaders. We show that the gender of leaders has a significant impact on the structure of social networks within firms. Homophilic professional ties among male workers characterize departments with male leadership. We show that female leadership breaks male homophily and creates a less segregated workplace. In female-led departments, both males and females establish more professional links with their female colleagues. Workplace climate is healthier when workers establish professional and personal support links with their leaders, and female leaders are significantly more likely than male leaders to develop such links with their female subordinates. However, female employees paint a darker picture of the workplace climate when working under non-supportive female leaders. Finally, using a subsample of the firms, we show that females working under female leaders are less likely to quit their job, and have higher promotion prospects..

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