title: Authentic leadership: application to women leaders.
abstract: The purpose of this perspective article is to present the argument that authentic leadership is a gendered representation of leadership. We first provide a brief history of leadership theories and definitions of authentic leadership. We then critique authentic leadership and offer arguments to support the premise that authentic leadership is not gender-neutral and is especially challenging for women.
authors.affiliation: Management, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH USA.
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.affiliation: Management, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH USA.
authors.forename: Deborah A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: O'Neil
keywords: authentic leadership; critical analysis; gendered leadership theory; individual vs. relational leadership; women leaders