Introduction
In Colombia, where cultural diversity, inequality, and gender dynamics shape organizational life (Uniandinos, 2023), leadership is a driver of performance and social transformation (Holland & Knight, 2023). Yet, women continue to face barriers to leadership opportunities (Great Place to Work, 2023). Globally, they account for 50% of the working-age population and 40% of the labor force (World Bank Open Data, 2022), but remain underrepresented in managerial roles (Buss et al., 2024). These disparities limit growth and inclusion. Leadership research has largely focused on WEIRD contexts, overlooking regions such as Latin America, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate the economic landscape.
Purpose
This study examines leadership behaviors—task, relationship, change, and external environment orientations (Yukl, 2012)—from a comparative gender perspective within SMEs in Antioquia and Cundinamarca, two regions that significantly contribute to Colombia's GDP. It seeks to analyze the relationships between leadership behaviors and organizational outcomes (sales, growth, profitability), considering the mediating role of occupational well-being and the moderating role of gender (Post & Byron, 2015). By doing so, it broadens leadership research beyond WEIRD settings.
Method
A quantitative-comparative cross-sectional design was employed. Data collection averaged 200 participants per region, including SME leaders and employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with Mplus version 8 (Muthén & Muthén, 2017) tested hypothesized relationships, with occupational well-being modeled as a latent construct (burnout, job satisfaction, absenteeism).
Results and Conclusions
Results on mediation and moderation, including gender-based group comparisons, will be presented. Findings are expected to enrich understanding of gendered leadership in Colombian SMEs, offering evidence from a non-WEIRD context to inform inclusive practices aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).