Issues for Sport Managers

As a female in sport management, I have often encountered males who don't think I am capable of doing my job. It is very frustrating, but it is even more irritating after reading these articles and learning that there are certain "feminine" work traits. One of the articles mentioned that it used to be that men and women would be hired because they had different work-related qualities. Men took on more masculine roles of problem-solving and delegating while women were the communicators who knew how to relate to people. Yet, the article also said that men in positions of power are now evolving. In order to keep their jobs, they have been requite to take on some "feminine" job traits. I think this is a ridiculous idea. I disagree with the article even classifying the traits that way, let alone that males are taking on female gender roles to keep their jobs. In a work-related environment, I am not the typical female. I like to take charge and get things done. I enjoy solving problems. I can have "masculine" characteristics just as easily as a male that may be an excellent communicator due to his outgoing nature. While I think it is a little unfair to claim these things, I don't think they are a problem that currently needs to be dealt with my sport managers. People will lead in the best way they see fit, regardless of their gender. They are also not consciously thinking about how they want to change gender roles. As long as a work setting is not the typical dominating male in a position of power over a group of submissive females, I think it will all be okay. Often, diversity is welcomed in the workplace, as it allows for a greater flow of ideas. Because of this, I don't see what is wrong with people trying to branch out in their job duties or leadership styles.