Location: Home > Publications >The leadership Challenge: Women in Management (Hannah Piterman © March 2008)
Postscript
This project has resulted from a conversation among friends about the experience of women in executive positions in large organisations and professional firms. It was noted that despite employer of choice and action to counter discrimination, and to encourage equity, many women of quality are not being used to their full potential or are leaving these organisations for a more supportive environment. In this environment hungry for human talent, the cost to both individual organisations and the nation are significant.The issue also has a significant social dimension as women of quality are often frustrated and denied their fullest chances in life.
Much of the research in this area has focussed on issues of structure and workplace policies such as those relating to work life balance, affirmative action in recruiting and so on. However, it was felt that the largely hidden story was is in the more subtle areas of culture and social and interpersonal dynamics which affect the quality of women's experience, and therefore career choices and ability to contribute.
The proposal to undertake this research attracted the ready support of a number of progressive organisations in various sectors and a number of leaders associated with them who were willing to help guide the study.
Understanding the nature of hidden dimensions in organisational life through in depth qualitative research has addressed a significant gap in our understanding and will assist organisations address more implicit issues that create barriers. As Professor Amanda Sinclair has said in her preface to this report, Dr Piterman's research answers with new depth the gaps in our understanding of the thinness of female ranks in the leadership of our organisations.
The openness of Dr Piterman's many interviewees, male and female, to discussing their feelings and experiences, and her perceptive analysis and use of contemporary research, provides us with a platform to move forward. Her practical recommendations will be of real benefit to organisations that want to seriously engage with this issue.
Geoff Allen
Director and Founder,The Allen Consulting Group