ISSN: 2161-1025
Pham Thi Van Anh1*, Ngo Minh Duc2
Purpose: Based on the topic of gender and leadership, this paper is to clarify the importance of gender identity to distinguish cisgender and transgender individuals. Besides, it is to answer the question if transgender leadership has any differentiation to cisgender leadership.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper relies on a theoretical approach to analyse two facets of gender including cisgender and transgender. Based on a literature background, a collective research between transgender and cisgender leadership is mentioned. Finally, the paper also indicates the reality of transgender leadership development in the current context through the corporate equality index report of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Findings: The results show that coming out process plays a vital role to distinguish transgender individuals to cisgender ones. However, there is no difference in their leadership competency.
Value: This paper highlights a different approach in the research of gender and leadership which clarify cisgender leaders and transgender leaders. Furthermore, this research is to affirm that despite a similarity in their leadership competency, the sexual bias to transgender community will limit the development of leadership and the organization’s diversity. By the ways, the paper also identifies the element of ―openness‖ as the solution for this situation.
Research limitation: This paper is using collective literature and report from other foundations. Therefore, the results may be affected by their statements and opinions.