Do women engage in sycophancy as much as men?

I have been looking for research on this topic. Recently, I came across an excellent article by Gideon Rachman in the Financial Times about Donald Trump and his dangerous need for praise.

The point is simple yet powerful: strongman authoritarianism thrives on sycophancy.

Why is that? Beyond votes, money, or policy, sycophancy fulfills a personal need. Flattery reinforces the leader’s image, status, and perceived invincibility. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle:

️Sycophants compete to give the most exaggerated praise.
️The leader rewards them, which encourages others to go even further.
️Over time, a cult of personality emerges, legitimizing power through constant affirmation.
️History shows us this is an important detail. From ancient courts to modern regimes, authoritarian leaders have relied on flattery to maintain control.

So here’s my question: is sycophancy a universal human behavior, or do women express it differently? Is it less obvious, more subtle, or perhaps less common in systems where women hold less power?

What I know for sure is this: exaggerated flattery is dangerous. It limits debate, undermines accountability, and rewards compliance over bravery.