"Research shows that sons often emulate their fathers' version of masculinity, and because men continue to dominate leadership positions in the U.S., those inherited models don't stop at the home. They show up in how work gets done, who gets promoted, and what kinds of behaviors are rewarded."
"In practice, that inheritance can look like an executive who demands deference but bristles at accountability. Or a leader who establishes a culture where men bond through exclusion or bigotry. Or an environment that rewards bravado over substance, and conflates emotional intelligence with weak, 'beta' behavior."
"It can show up when men label assertive women 'aggressive,' when they police what version of masculinity makes a leader, or when they constantly need to prove their worth."
Skepticism toward authority and critical thinking often stem from paternal influence rather than formal instruction. Sons absorb their fathers' approaches to leadership and confidence through observation. Masculinity concepts are broad, contested, and evolving, yet significantly impact corporate environments. Research demonstrates that inherited masculine models from fathers influence how men lead, whom they promote, and which behaviors receive rewards. Problematic manifestations include leaders demanding deference without accountability, cultures bonding through exclusion, environments rewarding bravado over competence, and double standards labeling assertive women as aggressive. These inherited patterns perpetuate specific leadership archetypes and workplace dynamics across generations.
#paternal-influence #corporate-masculinity #leadership-culture #workplace-dynamics #gender-and-authority
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