Do Gender Differences Shape Supply Managers’ Mindsets? Insights from New EMLV Research

A recent study co-authored by Salomée Ruel, Professor-Researcher in Supply Chain Management at EMLV, and Romaric Servajean-Hilst examines how gender shapes the collaborative and innovative mindsets of supply managers.

This publication contributes to the growing body of research exploring the intersection of gender and supply chain practices, with practical implications for education and training.

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A Focus on Supply Management Mindsets

Supply management plays a pivotal role in addressing global supply challenges. Collaboration and innovation are increasingly seen as essential attributes for professionals in the field.

However, few studies have investigated how these attributes may vary depending on gender.

The research led by Salomée Ruel and Romaric Servajean-Hilst addresses this gap by exploring whether gender differences exist in the collaborative and innovative mindsets of supply managers, both at junior and experienced levels.

Methodology and Scope

The study adopted a quantitative methodology, surveying 250 junior supply managers in training.

To strengthen the analysis, the researchers conducted a replication with 47 experienced supply managers in the same national context. This approach provided a comparative perspective on how gender dimensions may evolve throughout career stages.

Key Findings

Results indicate that male supply managers, on average, report higher levels of innovative mindset. Gender differences in collaborative mindset were also observed, though primarily among junior managers.

These outcomes underline the importance of considering gender when developing training programmes in supply chain management.

According to the authors, these findings encourage professionals and educators to re-examine existing assumptions about gender roles in supply management and reflect on how biases may impact both practices and pedagogy.

Implications for Supply Chain Practices and Training

The study suggests that understanding gendered perspectives on collaboration and innovation can help organizations design more inclusive environments.

For educators, the research highlights the importance of tailoring learning approaches that not only enhance technical competencies but also cultivate mindsets essential for the future of supply management.

By extending the discourse on gender in supply chain management, this research offers insights that can inform both professional practices and academic curricula.

For more information on the EMLV faculty’s latest publications, visit the De Vinci Research Center page.