WORKERS ATTITUDE TOWARDS FEMALE LEADERS: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN SHIIPING AND LOGISTICS SERVICE ENTERPRISE (ESLSE)

Abstract

The study mainly aimed at addressing the workers attitude towards female leaders in the context of Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Service Enterprise (ESLSE). The study used mixed research approaches (qualitative and quantitative) and mixed research design descriptive. Descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency, and mean and explanation were used to analyze the data. To assess the attitude of Superiors and Subordinates towards female leaders, closed ended questionnaire and interview were used the data were analyzed with data collected from 3 Deputy CEOs, 4, Directors and all subordinates under the supervision of female leaders were about 189. The findings of this study show that the attitude level of superiors towards female leaders is not favorable. This unfavorable result is an implication that the superiors hold an attitude that considers female leaders as a less confident, irresponsive and unable to make decision for the managerial position than the males. Similarly subordinates attitude towards female leaders is not favorable. This unfavorable result is an implication that the subordinates hold an attitude that considers female leaders as a less qualified, and biased for the managerial position than the males. Failure to be committed to handle the managerial responsibility, be forceful in managerial position that demand it, being aggressive in a business situation of the enterprise, are the reasons superiors undermine women leaders and subordinates disrespect and disobeyed for their instruction in a day to day business of the enterprise, lost confidence by superiors to make a decision based on information came from female leaders, mistreat by superiors, deficiency of enough time to exercise their responsibilities at a managerial position as men, are the major problems that women face at a managerial position and hinder women leaders to exercise their responsibilities as men.