This paper provides a new gender-based analysis of survey data collected on Hong Kong academics in 2008. First, it illustrates the gender differences that exist in the Hong Kong academy. Second, it discusses possible explanations for these differences as informed by the data. And third, it offers a novel argument, again informed by the data, for the importance of addressing these differences, particularly with respect to the issue of women and academic leadership. [Copyright of Higher Education Research & Development is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2013.864618]