Final answer:
Men tend to adopt a transactional leadership style, focusing on task completion and rewards, whereas women generally have a transformational style, prioritizing morale and changes within the organization. The correct answer is b. autocratic; transformational.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to studies, men tend to follow a transactional leadership style and women follow a transformational leadership style. The correct answer to the question is b. autocratic; transformational. Studies like those conducted by Eagly & Johnson and Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, & van Engen have shown that women are more likely to exhibit characteristics of transformational leaders who focus on the morale and welfare of the employees and foster change in organizations.
These studies have pointed out that such differences, although statistically significant, are relatively small and both men and women can exhibit elements of both styles in their leadership practices. Nevertheless, understanding these general tendencies in leadership styles can be informative for both educational and organizational contexts.