No mean business with female bosses

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Contrary to what most people believe, female bosses are not tyrants and nor do they make their female co-workers pay for their inconsistent mood swings. In a recent study researchers have ‘trashed’ this theory.

The notion of the queen bee syndrome, which suggests that a woman in a position of authority will treat subordinates more critically if they are female has been held as just a belief by society. The latest study by Catalyst reports that women do not undermine other women to get ahead, but look at inexperienced females as potential talent and are prepared to develop that talent through informal or formal mentorship.
When we asked wo-men professionals if they thought that the queen bee syndrome should be put to rest and if indeed women in positions of power made good mentors for their female co-workers, entrepreneur Nisha Somaia says, “I respect a working woman as I feel she is as equal as her male counterpart. So, in a situation of power over a co-worker I would surely want to encourage her. I have never been at the receiving end of the ‘queen bee’ but speaking purely for myself, I would always help/encourage women and in fact ‘break new paths’ for the new generations to come.”
Author and journalist Aastha Atray Banan says, “If you are secure about your talent you help everyone regardless of whether they are women or men. As a senior, I follow this rule and help everyone. I know that I will still shine even if 10 other people are shining right beside me and in any case if everyone is shining, then everyone is happy and there is less strife at the workplace.”
When asked if she believed that the concept of women being bad bosses was changing, Aastha adds, “Some women are bad bosses as they are moody and make things personal. But I would like to believe this is changing today.”
However, not everyone agrees that the queen bee syndrome is passé. Human resource consultant Banhi Dutta says, “The queen bee syndrome exists even today. In top MNCs, women who are doing extremely well are very much aware of this fact and take full advantage of all the pampering they get from their juniors (mostly guys and also from some smart women who do the same). Those who aren’t in the rat race fall behind and the queen bee pamperers get their desired positions. But there are also women who use their positions to mentor their co-workers. The ratio would be 75:25 according to me.”
Divya Moorjani, a freelancer, shares, “Every woman somewhere wants to prove to the world, that she is better than a man. It’s hard to justify why she undermines other females, but I guess women have that tendency.”
HR consultant Vid-ushi Johari, who has worked under both kinds of bosses says, “I have worked with helpful women co-workers and obno-xiously compulsive queen bee types. Some women enjoy the power they have by undermining others.”
Vandana M, manager media relation sums it up, “Today, the service sector is very competetive for both men and women. I feel that women are happy working with women colleagues, helping and putting them on the proper path.”