GENDER ASPECTS OF LEADERSHIP IN BANI ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
The article provides a thorough analysis of the evolution of gender aspects of leadership in the context of global uncertainty, rapid digitalization, and the transition to the BANI environment. The relevance of the study is driven by the identified stagnation of women's representation in top management in 2025 (29% in the C-suite according to McKinsey data) and specific transformations in Ukraine, where the full-scale war simultaneously reinforces traditional barriers and opens new leadership roles for women in humanitarian and defense sectors. The scientific novelty of the work lies in a comprehensive study of the impact of artificial intelligence and hybrid work on the formation of new gender barriers, such as algorithmic biases (AI-bias) and the "competency penalty" in management. The theoretical genesis of leadership concepts is explored: from the binary stereotypes of the "Great Man" theory to modern inclusive paradigms. The author argues that in conditions of nonlinearity and anxiety (BANI), classical models give way to the androgynous leadership model. The latter involves the conscious integration of agentic traits (decisiveness, autonomy) and communal traits (empathy, cooperation). It is established that androgyny allows leaders to effectively switch between rigid management during crises and emotional support for the team, which is critical for ensuring psychological safety in organizations during wartime. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of career advancement barriers: the evolution from the "glass ceiling" to the "leadership labyrinth" and the "glass cliff" effect in crisis management. In the Ukrainian context, a significant gap in the "Power" domain was identified according to the 2025 Gender Equality Index. A system of practical measures to overcome these gaps is substantiated, including mandatory gender auditing of recruitment algorithms in accordance with the EU AI Act, expansion of mentoring programs in STEM fields, and the implementation of soft quotas for androgynous competencies in MBA and public administration programs. It is concluded that the implementation of gender-balanced leadership is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic tool for innovative recovery and increasing the international competitiveness of Ukraine.
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