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July 26, 2005
'Glass ceiling' remains intact
Star Tribune
The Economist
Published July 26, 2005
This article basically says that not much has changed in the workforce over the past two decades since the term 'glass ceiling' was initiated in terms of women holding top positions in corporations. "Women account for almost half the workforce in Western countries... But at the top of the corporate ladder it is a different story."
The article describes some reasons why women have not increased in numbers holding these top positions, but at the same time explains why they should be. Some of the same companies who have NOT promoted women to these power psitions, are convinced that it makes good business sense to have more women in these leadership roles. Some companies ARE changing and the article states that research conducted in America, Britain and Scandanavia supports the idea that companies believe that it would be good for their profits -- there is a "trong correlation between shareholder returns and the proportion of women in the higher executive
As we have discussed in class during the leadership segments, the article states women are better at team-building and communication. Companies who are promoting women in these positions include IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Alcan.
The article is summarized by making suggestions as to what companies should do if women have to leave the corporate office for a length of time, i.e. to raise their children or care for a family member, in order to bring them up-to-speed and on track again for these positions.
I don't know about you, but I have always believed that women are effective leaders and should be in the top corporate positions. I am glad to see that more corporations are beginning to address this issue, and of course, IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Comments
Surely indeed, it's about time now, eventhough it's long over due. I really do agree with Debbie on this issue. As a matter of facts, most women can even do much better in corporate positions than men. I think, people should flash back on previous records form successful companies.
Posted by: Bill at July 29, 2005 12:49 AM
The reason that women are not in top corporate positions is not because they are not qualified or effective leaders. The main reason that they are not is because old white men are in those positions and it’s a kind of club that they don’t want women to be a part of. In my management class the book talked about women facing glass walls too which prevent horizontal promotions that lead to higher level promotions. In recent times women have started there own business twice as fast as men. Any women with enough determination and entrepreneurial skills could say screw the old white males and start their own companies where they are CEOs.
Posted by: Chuck at July 29, 2005 01:18 PM