The relationship between personality traits and gender perception levels: The case of mid-level managers

In this study, which aims to reveal the relationship between personality traits and gender perception, a survey was conducted with 783 middle-level managers working in organizations operating in the textile, manufacturing, automotive and food sectors in the Eastern Marmara Region. Gender perceptions in business life is produced by employees and their superiors who they are directly interacted with and it determines the perspective on women. According to 5th article of Labor Law, "No discrimination based on language, race, gender, political opinion and similar reasons can be made in business relations." In this article states that according to the law, different transactions cannot be made directly or indirectly due to gender. Notwithstanding, the different evaluation status of men and women indicates that there is another variable that affects the perception of gender. The fact that this variable is based on personality traits makes this study meaningful. It is important for our research to determine whether there is a relationship between gender perception and mid-level managers' personality traits. The obtained data were analyzed in various statistical aspects by using the SPSS 24.0 program. The findings of this study point out a statistically significant relationship between middle-level managers' personality traits and their gender perception levels. Another conclusion of this research is that the personality traits and gender perception levels of the participants differ according to their demographic characteristics. The expected outcomes of this study are to determine whether there is a relationship between personality traits and gender perception, to specify which sub-dimension or dimensions of personality affect gender perception in case of a relationship between the two, and to contribute to the field accordingly. It aims to create awareness in the business life of the work, that will progress on the basis of personality traits. Moreover, one of our primary goals is to bring a perspective to prevent sexist attitudes encountered in business life.