Female leadership and innovation: the case of a French start-up company

Abstract

Leadership is a complex concept and its definition and meaning is at the centre of scholars’ discussions, and especially, when the role of leader is played by a woman, the question become even more complicated. The purpose of this thesis is to examine firstly the diverse typology of leadership that women adopt, and secondly, the possibilities and issues they encounter in such a powerful position. In particular, I will focus my attention on the role that women assume when it comes to be en entrepreneur and run a start-up company. Considering the aim of this study, I will firstly provide a theoretical framework on the various studies on leadership, its role and definition, and, in particular, its different styles. I will also focus my attention on the notion of Emotional Intelligence and on the relationship with leadership. Lastly, I will consider the gender stereotype, when related to leadership. By using a French start-up as a case study, I will describe the role of a female entrepreneur and her leadership.