Women in Management and Organisational Performance: Evidence from Selected Banks in Gombe State

This study examines the relationship between women in management positions and organisational performance in selected commercial banks in Gombe State, Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Gender diversity in management remains a critical but underexplored dimension of organisational effectiveness in Nigerian financial institutions, particularly in northern regions where cultural and structural barriers limit women's advancement in leadership roles. This research employs a survey research design with data collected from 100 employees and bank managers through structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The study evaluates the proportion of women in management roles, their perceived leadership effectiveness, and the relationship between gender-diverse leadership teams and performance indicators including branch profitability, customer retention, and staff morale. Results show that branches with higher proportions of women in supervisory and management roles record comparatively better customer satisfaction scores and staff morale indices. Respondents across genders broadly acknowledge the positive contributions of female managers to team cohesion and customer relationship management. The study recommends that commercial banks in Gombe State implement affirmative action policies, mentorship programmes for aspiring female leaders, and leadership competency training to accelerate gender diversity at the management level. Keywords: women in management, gender diversity, organisational performance, banking sector, Gombe State.