Does Gender Matter? Responsiveness to Authority Positions in the Norwegian Armed Forces Behavioral Intentions Towards Female Officers

Abstract

Based on the underrepresentation of women in the Norwegian Armed Forces, this thesis investigated whether there is a gender authority gap where female officers receive less authority compared to male officers. This was done by measuring behavioral intentions towards female officers. The study consisted of 198 participants from the Artillery Battalion and the Signal Battalion in the Norwegian Army. As a comparison sample, civilian was used (n = 141). By using an online questionnaire containing scenarios with a military context, the study measured participants’ willingness to comply or discuss an order given from either a female or male officer. It was hypothesized that orders from female officers would receive more discussion compared to male officers, pointing to decreased authority for female officers. A within-subject design were used, and results show that the gender of the officer in the scenarios had no significant effect on participants behavioral intentions in the military sample (p >.20). Results from the civilian sample show a significant effect where participants are more inclined to discuss orders from male officers compared to female officers, which is opposite to the hypothesis (p <.04). Explanations for this are offered. In conclusion, this study did not find evidence of a gender authority gap. Measures implemented in the Armed Forces, increased female exposure and changes in desired leader-characteristics are discussed to understand the results. Other explanations for the underrepresentation of women in the Armed Forces are considered, including family policies and organizational culture. Limitations and recommendations for future research are outlined.