Gender Inclusive Leadership: A Dominican Model of Values, Relational Authenticity, and Dominican Presence
Suzanne C. Otte Allen, M. J. Best

Abstract
Despite dramatic changes in gender roles during the 20th and 21st centuries, women continue to lack access to powerful leadership positions in comparison with men. We examinefour realms for possible explanationsto this gender inequity: leadership definitions and theory, values, authenticity, and Sharmer’s theory of presencing. We examine whether leadershipdefinitions and theories are gender neutral, and we explore the idea thatmen and women act upon different values in their leadership roles. We compare the Dominican values of truth, justice, compassion, partnership, and community to globally ubiquitous values as a means of exploring the differences between male and female centered values.The article outlines the using of values, authenticity, and presencing in leadership programs to bring a more inclusive view of leadership to the forefront.We propose that a more inclusive foundation for each of these attributes--values, authenticity, and presence--be based on the Sinsinawa Dominican’s model.

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