Do demographic characteristics truly shape **leadership philosophy**? This research explores this question by examining the influence of gender and other demographics on leadership styles within the Australian Public Service (APS) and comparing the findings to a study in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Leadership philosophy is conceptualised as the leader’s attitudes, values and behaviour. The paper investigates gender differences in leader characteristics, such as strategic behavior, management style, and work-related values, to reveal the lack of gender differences in the majority of measured traits. This comparison challenges conventional wisdom, finding little to no significant gender differences in leadership characteristics within both the APS and NHS Trusts. This has consequences for the job. These findings underscore the importance of considering a broader range of demographic factors in shaping leadership philosophies. By highlighting the influence of job and organizational tenure, as well as senior management experience, the study challenges traditional assumptions and calls for a more nuanced understanding of how leadership attitudes and practices are formed within organizations. This research has a high impact on the organization.
Published in the Journal of Management Development, this research aligns with the journal's focus on exploring factors that influence leadership effectiveness and organizational development. By examining the impact of demographics on leadership philosophy, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of leadership styles and their impact on organizational performance, relevant themes in the journal.