Women as Leaders The number of women in leadership positions has increased steadily since 1970. Women occupy slightly over 25 percent of the supervisory position in U.S. industry and just 11 percent of senior executive positions, although they represent 51 percent of the world population (Sellers, 1999). Research indicates that men’s attitudes toward women in the workplace are gradually changing as more women enter the workforce and assume leadership positions within global organizations. Studies show, however, that both men and women executives believe women have to be exceptional to succeed in the business world. Women leaders still face disadvantages in business and feel they must work harder than men to succeed (Rosener, 1990).