Pinar Özdemir

ABSTRACT

In this study, in light of the anticipations in parallel with the changing needs of the new era and of the maritime sector, we question how an exemplary maritime woman leader should be and which characteristics she should have to meet the changing and demanding requirements of the maritime sector. To this end, we have compared the characteristics and responses given to certain situations in the sector of Generation X Maritime Women with those of Generation Y Maritime Women. Our aim is to question the traits and qualities a new generation maritime woman should have to be an effective leader, and to formulate a new generation leadership pathway for maritime women for the empowerment of them in the sector. To do this adequately, we made use of the survey results of Project MENTORESS* and made a comparison of the responses given by both generations. As is clearly seen from the survey results, Generation Y Women, with greater support from their family, friends and instructors, take firm steps forward to be future leaders. On the other hand, they must still face some of the same difficulties their Generation X colleaques had, but they handle them differently. The study aims to shed light on the ways to help women cope with hardships they face to be better future leaders so as to meet changing demands of not only the sector but also the people.