Most Americans believe women possess the same key leadership characteristics as men, with many indicating that women are stronger than men in terms of being compassionate and organized leaders, according to a Pew Research Center survey on women and leadership.
In terms of intelligence and capacity for innovation, most people believe men and women are equal, according to the survey of 1,835 randomly selected adults.
When asked why there are still fewer women than men in top roles in government and business organizations despite advances women have made in the workplace, survey respondents did not point to lack of toughness or other management skills, nor did they cite family responsibilities.
According to the survey, about four-in-10 Americans say the most significant barrier preventing women from rising to top positions is a double standard that says women have to do more to prove themselves as capable and qualified than their male counterpoints.
About half (53 percent) of survey respondents believe men will continue to hold more top executive positions in businesses in the future, while 44 percent believe it is only a matter of time before men and women hold equal numbers of such positions. However, more Americans believe women will continue filling higher roles in politics, with 73 percent indicating they expect to see a female president in their lifetime.
Women are believed to be better at numerous leadership aspects than men, according to the survey. For example, in politics women are believed to be better at working out compromises, being honest and ethical and working to improve U.S. quality of life, while in business, they are seen as better at providing fair pay and mentoring employees. Men are believed to be better at negotiating profitable deals and more willing to take risks.
The survey also addressed when is the "best" time for women with leadership aspirations to have children. According to the report, 36 percent of respondents believe a woman is better off having children early in her career, 40 percent believe it's best to wait until she is well established and 22 percent say the best option is to not have children at all.