Business world is known to do both, encourage positive change in the workplace and perpetuate discriminant thinking and behaviour. Specifically, this is true for women and their presence, or lack thereof, in C-suites.

According to research by the Pew Research Centre in 2015, women working in the corporate world are perceived to boast stronger calibre in many areas than men. Some of them include better negotiation skills and the portrayal of more ethical behaviour towards their colleagues.

Despite these positive findings, the female clan still struggles to get hold of leadership roles at work.

 

Let us have a glance at some factors that contribute towards the challenges faced by women today.

Both men and women are expected to perform roles that are considered to be gender appropriate. In fact, they are deployed in roles that are more suited to their abilities. Conventionally, C-suite roles, along with higher management positions are held by men, and certainly these are perceived to be more valuable than the positions women are given.

Roles held by men and women require equivalent efforts, however, unfortunately, that does not translate into a high-earning salary for the latter. And this is prevalent across the world.

Although, in recent time’s gender and pay equality are doing rounds in the corporate world, change does not happen overnight, and still many business fields are plagued by male domination.

Some Basic Solutions:

·         Developing mentoring programmes for women in the workplace

Although, leadership qualities in women are something one would never have doubt upon, however, tad bit of fostering will help them to shine.

·         Encouraging flexible working

By promoting flexible working hours, organisations can provide more ownership values to their employees and that includes women as well. This will create a balanced working environment, and will enhance equality.

·         Increase gender diversity accountability

Organisation can make it a priority to hire and develop more women, in order to increase gender diversity, which is already known to enhance productivity in the workplace.

Women in leadership is a long storied debate, and it is here to stay. However, the world at large is fast recognising the calibre of the female gender, and already many big organisations are headed by female C-suite executives and the trend is anticipated to grow further.