Answer is as simple as possible-Women.

Study of American women managers shows that a man puts his nose to the grindstone. But a woman sharpens her claws on it. The latest study by Shannon L. Goodson examines the differences between informal corporate support for men and women - the old boys network vs. the old girls network.

Goodson says "For generations men have worked as hard on their golf game as their work skills to help establish themselves professionally." As a professional woman herself, Goodson has found networking with other pro-fessional men and women extremely valuable.

The study surveyed approximately 150 male and female managers from Fortune 500 companies. There was no limit in range of managers and survey participants representing the middle management - senior executive level. The research results found out expectedly that, women overwhelmingly agree that forming and maintaining networks is important. But as Behavioral Science Research Press admits Goodson found out that mere rhetorical commitment to networking does not necessarily create more effective managers, or shorten their path to the top.

According to the statistics Fifty-four percent of the managers surveyed said it didn't matter to them whether they worked for a man or a woman. But those who expressed a preference had an unexpected opinion. Seven in ten said they would rather work for a man than a woman. Why? Their reasons varied, but their comments on women managers had a common thread:

"Backstabbing"
"Gossip-focused"
"Not as supportive as men"
"Crisis creator"

According to Donia, "There may be more bitching than bonding going on among aspiring career women."

Goodson is quick to point out that women are not intentionally bad bosses. They are just trying to survive the best way they know how. "Male managers in well established networks are more likely to give each other a helping hand because they see it as an investment in their own career," she says.

But women must still compete against men and against each other for fewer opportunities. So they are more likely to see each other as potential threats. Their attitude tends to be, "If I help you today, will you step over me tomorrow?"

Goodson offers no excuses for such self-protective behavior. "Women need to recognize that bitchy behavior can destroy more progress than it creates. There are enough real obstacles to our professional growth without throwing hurdles in each other's path."

The Work & Power Survey conducted by Elle and MSNBC.com shows that:
· 60,000 respondents are indifferent to manager sex though expressed a preference to men whom they consider more effective leaders.
· 41 percent think men are good leaders, 33 percent of women agreed.
· Three out of four women expressed a preference to work for a man than a woman.

Also I came across some stereotypes women are associated with. The survey emphasized some stereotypes among those are "moody," "bitchy," "gossipy" and "emotional." But "catty” appeared the most popular term for woman, used 347 times.

And what does Guardian Unlimited admits in Women bosses left behind by men's pay by Terry Macalister? “The Equal Opportunities Commission said the figures were "shocking" and emphasised the need for changes in flexible working and other issues to ensure everyone had a chance to reach the top. Dame Marjorie, whose company publishes the Financial Times, was in the bottom half of the pay league but did raise her earnings from the £1.8m the year before when her star had waned because of a drooping share price.”

But as for me, I agree with Napoleon Hill quotes , who says that “Your real boss is the one who walks around under your hat.” That is whom I am obedient with. ;-)