Conclusion
In this paper, the researchers contributed to the debate why only a few women reach the top in male-dominated organisations by exploring the competencies required of female leaders working in male-dominated business environments with a particular focus on the male leaders’ points of view. In addition, the researchers conducted a thorough literature review on the competencies essential for effective senior leadership, which was used as a guiding framework for the primary data collection. The study results revealed that male leaders consider a complex mix of gender-related behaviours on a professional and interpersonal level as being key to the success of female leaders in male-dominated industries. It can be concluded that women are usually expected to demonstrate exceptional and often higher professional expertise than their male peers to be respected. Further, male leaders considered authenticity and the ability to rely on one’s feminine strengths, such as empathy and the ability to listen, as important for women to succeed. However, being able to adapt to masculine behaviour, such as power awareness, networking and determination, were also considered as key. In addition, getting on well at an interpersonal level was found to be a factor that greatly impacted women’s success within male-dominated occupations.