Fostering leadership aspirations through participative decision-making: Insights into gender differences

Organizations face challenges in leadership succession, partly due to reduced employee interest in progressing to leadership roles. This study examined participative decision-making (PDM) as a strategy to foster leadership aspiration and whether it is particularly beneficial for women, who often encounter barriers in the workplace. A cross-sectional study in Sweden surveyed non-leaders ( N = 749) and leaders ( N = 240) on their leadership aspirations and perceived inclusion in PDM. Results showed PDM was positively related to aspiration in both groups. Among non-leaders, the relationship was stronger for women; among leaders, unexpectedly, stronger for men. Results and practical implications are discussed.