Abstract

The low participation of women in managerial positions spotlights a significant gender gap in the labor market. A reality that sublimates the merit of those women who have ma-naged to reach relevant hierarchical positions. This study analyzes the practices and leadership styles of women who occupying managerial positions in Chile (Región de Coquimbo). The research applied a survey to seventy women who run companies, based on the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI self-assessment) of Kouzes and Posner. In the exercise of their position, the results showed that woman managers apply a people-oriented style, using the practices of encouraging and enabling others to act. It is concluded that even when leadership competencies are mostly consistent with a transformational leadership model, they are not exclusive with the transactional type. Thus, a special concern for the promotion of collaborative work and job recognition is denoted.