Leadership in Action: Fatal Attraction: The Dangers of Leaders Flocking Together

ODD MEN OUT

Homophily can also cause the exclusion of men and women who have dissimilar backgrounds, styles, or values. In fact, research suggests that even when given a chance to connect with people who are different from themselves, most people have a tendency to “stick with their own.” Other people are typically stereotyped and kept at a distance. Some of these stereotyping behaviors are benign but nonetheless have serious negative effects. People who are perceived as being different are sometimes viewed as less qualified, not understanding the system, not likely to fit in, and even not deserving of opportunities. As University of Arizona sociology professor Miller McPherson and colleagues explain, “We often attribute these qualities to some ...