GENDER DIFFERENCES IN HUMAN MOTIVATION AND LEADERSHIP: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

William L. Sparks
John Repede
Queens University of Charlotte

ABSTRACT

Motive needs and their related leadership styles direct and sustain human behavior. This
exploratory study examined motive needs and leadership style differences between men and
women. The Actualized Leader Profile (ALP) measures motive needs and their resulting
leadership styles: Achievement (Achiever Style), Affiliation (Affirmer Style) and Power (Asserter
Style). Using an international sample, the results revealed that men were 1.6 times more likely
than women to be driven out of the need for achievement. Women were 1.9 times more likely than
men to be driven out of the need for affiliation and were 1.6 times more likely than men to be
driven out of the need for power.

Keywords: Gender differences, human motivation, leadership