5 There is still a segment of the population, both men and, surprisingly, women who report low tolerance for female bosses. (Para. 2)

Meaning: A portion of people, men and, unexpectedly, even women state that they can hardly bear working with female bosses.

6 The growing presence of female bosses has also provoked two major questions that revolve around styles: Do men and women manage differently, and, if so, is that a good thing? (Para. 2)

Meaning: With the number of female bosses increasing, two questions have been raised in terms of styles: Do men and women work differently? Are the differences good for management if there are any?

7 Monica is disposed to think so, on both counts. Now a 40-year-old mother of four, she is president of a public sector labor union with 45,000 members. (Para. 3) Meaning:Monica, a 40-year-old mother of four children and president of a public sector

labor union with 45,000 members, is inclined to look at these two points positively: Women do manage differently from men and that is a good thing.

Note:“A public sector labor union” (also public sector trade union) refers to a labor union

which primarily represents the interests of employees within public sector (government-owned, supported or regulated) organizations. Public sector unions have become some of the larger or more influential unions in certain areas of the world in recent times as private sector union membership has declined sharply.

8 “Relations with my employees are probably different from those of male managers preceding me,” she says. “I know what it’s like to have to call and say my kid got the mumps so I won’t be coming in. I have a more flexible style — not soft, just more understanding.” (Para. 3)

Meaning: She said that she was perhaps different form the previous male managers in relation with the employees because she knew what it meant when someone had to make a phone cal telling her that he or she wouldn’t go to work due to the il ness of their child. She added that she was more flexible and understanding but not weaker in terms of working style.

Meaning beyond words: In a broad sense, female bosses are better than male bosses in boss-employee relations because they are more understanding and tend to show more consideration to their employees.