Role of entrepreneur gender and management style in influencing perceptions and behaviors of new recruits: Evidence from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Entrepreneurs face considerable challenges in attracting prospective recruits and managing them in the absence of established norms and traditions. This research examines how gender and management styles of entrepreneurs impact new recruits’ attitudes including their cognitions, affect, and behaviors in new ventures. Results of two experimental studies conducted in the Islamic Republic of Iran demonstrate that women entrepreneurs are reacted to less negatively and considered more effective when they use directive management style. In addition, women entrepreneurs who employ directive style elicit superior performance from new recruits compared to those who rely on participative style. Management style does not appear to matter for attitudes towards men entrepreneurs. Implications and future research directions are discussed.