The majority of women claim they prefer men as bosses because they are less prone to mood swings.

Personnel Today reports a survey of 2,000 women found two-thirds would rather work for male managers, describing them as "more authoritative, straight-talking and better at making decisions than their female counterparts".

The www.OnePoll.com study did find women’s skills were valued in other ways. Women were better at delegation, more likely to praise colleagues and good at dealing with employees’ personal issues within the office environment.

A spokesman told Personnel Today: "The results do paint a picture of men being a bit harder and more driven, but that isn't always the kind of approach which is needed."