# Women CEOs Targeted by Activist Shareholders Psychological and structural challenges faced by female leaders - **Source:** [Journal of Management](https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jom) - **Published:** 2025-06-06 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/828aee80-6c14-439f-a300-9a4b6e3e1677 ## Challenges Faced by Women CEOs According to a study published in the Journal of Management, companies led by women CEOs tend to be targeted more by activist shareholders compared to those led by men. This results in increased interference in the decision-making processes of female leaders. The research examines the psychological and structural reasons behind this phenomenon. ## Motivations of Activist Shareholders Activist shareholders exhibit more interventionist behavior in companies led by women CEOs. This behavior is driven by biases and gender-based perceptions regarding leadership styles. Shareholders are more likely to question the decisions made by female leaders. ## Psychological Impacts Women CEOs experience increased stress and pressure due to the interventions of activist shareholders. This can negatively affect their leadership performance. The research explores how these psychological impacts reflect on company culture in the long term. ## Structural Barriers The structural characteristics of companies increase the likelihood of women CEOs being targeted by activist shareholders. This is particularly evident in companies with traditional management structures. The study offers suggestions on how to overcome these structural barriers. ## Decision-Making Processes Interventions by activist shareholders significantly impact the decision-making processes of women CEOs. This can hinder the implementation of company strategies. The research delves into the challenges faced in these processes. ## Company Performance Companies led by women CEOs may experience performance losses due to interventions by activist shareholders. This can adversely affect financial outcomes. The study analyzes the reasons behind these performance losses. ## Proposed Solutions The research provides solutions on how women CEOs can more effectively combat interventions by activist shareholders. These include restructuring company management and leadership training programs. ## Future Implications The challenges faced by women CEOs could significantly influence the leadership structures and management strategies of companies in the future. The research offers insights into how these impacts will shape up in the long term. ## Sources covering this story - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01492063251335563?ai=2b4&mi=ehikzz&af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._