Feminine women more likely to win promotion

Almaty. January 20. Kazakhstan Today - Women who want to succeed at work should resist the temptation to act like men, scientists said yesterday, Daily Mail reported.

Their studies show that women who take an aggressive approach are often less likely to get ahead than those who exhibit more feminine traits.

If however, they try to conform, promotion comes their way

The findings, which will dismay feminists, suggest the best way for a woman to succeed in a man's world is to act like a lady.

They tally with past research that showed women oozing with self-confidence, assertiveness and other characteristics linked with successful management can be side-lined at work in favour of meeker types.

It is thought that while such traits are highly-prized in men, go-getting women are penalised for not being feminine enough and are seen as less likeable.

The study asked 80 young men and women about their personality while they studied for a master's degree in business administration.

Eight years later, the researchers got back in touch to find out how their careers were progressing and found that 'macho' women who took an aggressive approach had been promoted less than more feminine sorts.

The bossy women who made a conscious effort not to appear too threatening by 'self-monitoring' their behaviour had done better than those who had carried on regardless.

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