scholarly journals Women at the top leadership positions. Obstacles, possibilities and the chimera of segregation

Author(s):  
Izolda Takacs

The paper takes into account the general characteristics of workplace organization, the organizational atmosphere relevant to gender and prejudices based on binary oppositions identified by women in leadership positions, which still limit their opportunities and choices. Career paths of women are at the focus of the study, especially in academia and science, including the difficulties faced by women when they move up in the organizational hierarchy, if they pursue career in science and if they aim for the leadership position

Author(s):  
Fardaus Ara

This paper discusses the status of women in leadership position in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) following content analysis. This study argues that although the number of women in the class I position in the civil service has increased, their position in terms of power and influence on decision-making is still insignificant. In particular, the number of women in the leadership position in the civil service does not reflect gender parity that the government of Bangladesh is committed to achieve.


Author(s):  
Shubhasheesh Bhattacharya ◽  
Sonali Bhattacharya ◽  
Sweta Mohapatra

Women in a leadership position has been a matter of concern the world over especially in information technology (IT)/ information technology enabled services (ITES). However, for the advancement of women in leadership positions, individual characteristics are not enough. Besides individual factors, it is the detection of organizational factors that enable the advancement of women into leadership positions. The present article develops a multidimensional scale on the perceived enablers for the advancement of women in leadership position in the IT/ITES sector. The scale considers both individual factors (characteristics) and organizational factors, such as welfare schemes, career development support, and training. The article also reveals that individual factors, such as self-confidence, ambition, and perceived competency are also enablers of advancing women to leadership positions. Researchers could examine the considered dimensions of the proposed scale in other sectors and with respect to other constructs related to women's work-life balance.


Author(s):  
Shubhasheesh Bhattacharya ◽  
Sonali Bhattacharya ◽  
Sweta Mohapatra

Women in a leadership position has been a matter of concern the world over especially in information technology (IT)/ information technology enabled services (ITES). However, for the advancement of women in leadership positions, individual characteristics are not enough. Besides individual factors, it is the detection of organizational factors that enable the advancement of women into leadership positions. The present article develops a multidimensional scale on the perceived enablers for the advancement of women in leadership position in the IT/ITES sector. The scale considers both individual factors (characteristics) and organizational factors, such as welfare schemes, career development support, and training. The article also reveals that individual factors, such as self-confidence, ambition, and perceived competency are also enablers of advancing women to leadership positions. Researchers could examine the considered dimensions of the proposed scale in other sectors and with respect to other constructs related to women's work-life balance.


Author(s):  
Fardaus Ara

This paper discusses the status of women in leadership position in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) following content analysis. This study argues that although the number of women in the class I position in the civil service has increased, their position in terms of power and influence on decision-making is still insignificant. In particular, the number of women in the leadership position in the civil service does not reflect gender parity that the government of Bangladesh is committed to achieve.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namrata Gupta

Purpose Since liberalization in the 1990s, India has witnessed a growth in the number of educated middle-class women in professions. However, there are few women in leadership positions and decision-making bodies. While the earlier notion of the ideal woman as homemaker has been replaced by one which idealizes women of substance, a woman’s role in the family continues to be pivotal and is even viewed as central in defining Indian culture. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how and to what extent gender inequalities are reproduced in the organizations employing educated professionals. Design/methodology/approach Based on the perspective that gender is socially constructed, this paper analyzes gender inequality in Indian organizations through semi-structured interviews of men and women scientists in two private pharmaceutical laboratories. Findings The findings show reproduction of a gendered normative order through two types of norms and practices: one, norms and practices that favor men and second, socio-cultural norms that devalue women in public spaces which help to maintain masculinity in the workplace. Although these practices might be found elsewhere in the world, the manner in which they are enacted reflects national cultural norms. Originality/value The paper highlights how various norms and practices enacted in the specific Indian socio-cultural context construct and maintain masculinity at workplace depriving opportunities to professional women which affect their rise to leadership positions.


Author(s):  
Ruth Mateos de Cabo

Resumen. La persistencia de una brecha de género en los puestos de liderazgo empresarial supone un importante reto socioeconómico, ya que las desigualdades de género en el mercado laboral en general, y en los altos puestos de decisión en particular, no solo sofocan el desarrollo social sino que perjudican el crecimiento económico. Aunque la literatura existente ha ayudado a colocar el problema del reducido número de mujeres líderes en las agendas profesionales y políticas, el conocimiento sobre el tema todavía se encuentra fragmentado y no aborda sistemáticamente las posibles causas de esta en los altos niveles jerárquicos empresariales. Además, los estudios que analizan los instrumentos para promocionar el liderazgo femenino a menudo asumen barreras particulares para las mujeres y no asocian las distintas causas con instrumentos y políticas diferenciadas para luchar contra cada obstáculo. Por ello, el objetivo de esta investigación es arrojar luz de manera sistemática sobre las razones por las cuales existen trabas que impiden la equidad en estos puestos de una manera sistemática, estudiando políticas específicas para promover la carrera profesional de las mujeres. El trabajo concluye analizando la aceleración del progreso en presencia femenina en los consejos en Europa impulsada por la presión política y reguladora en algunos estados miembros de los 28 países de la UE y ofreciendo una serie de propuestas para apoyar la participación de las mujeres en los órganos de administración de las empresas.Palabras clave: mujeres líderes, igualdad, discriminación, gestión de la diversidad, mujeres en consejos.Abstract. The persistence of a gender gap in corporate leadership positions is a major socio-economic challenge, as gender inequalities in the labor market in general, and in high decision-making positions in particular, not only suffocate the social development but hurts economic growth. Although previous research has helped to place the issue of the small number of women in leadership on the agenda for both practitioners and policy makers, knowledge is still fragmented without systematically addressing possible causes of inequality in the highest corporate positions. In addition, the studies examining instruments to promote women’s leadership often assume particular barriers that women face and do not link the different causes of inequality with nuanced policy tools and policies to fight them. Therefore, this research goal is to shed light on the reasons why barriers preventing gender equality at the top corporate levels exists, studying and proposing specific policy measures to promote women careers. The paper concludes analyzing the accelerated progress on women representation on corporate leadership positions driven by political and regulatory pressure in a few Member States of the 28 EU countries and offering a series of suggestions to progress women presence on corporate boards.Keywords: women in leadership, equality, discrimination, diversity management, womenon boards.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document