The World Economic Forum (WEF) published a report criticizing companies around the world for lacking women in the workforce. In the UK the prime minister comments that it is "unacceptable" that some companies in the UK have no women represented on their boards. He also states that the UK might have to take legal action to correct this problem. Even worse out of the 200 companies researched in this study (spanning over 20 countries) less than 5% had women chief executives. Also, the pay gap between men and women has not gotten any smaller. At an average of 18% difference in pay, and up to 40% difference in pay in senior level positions, women are grossly being under payed. Also, the WEF said that 72% of the companies surveyed did not even track the difference in men and women's pay.
These statistics are appalling. Companies in America and all around the world claim they are making progress, or even that women and men are on an even playing field. If this were true more women would occupy senior level positions, the pay difference would be smaller, and more companies would be aware of these issues.
Most women are concentrated in entry and middle-level jobs and remain limited in senior level positions all over the world and in every industry, with the exception of Norway. Norway has over 40% women occupying board positions, due to regulation. This is a testament that government regulation would help women get those senior level positions.
The article states that more than half of all graduates are women, this being said, companies are missing out on a huge talent pool. Also, looking at this issue from a staffing perspective the workforce does not represent the customer base, which may have adverse impact on business for companies.
I believe business's around the world need to recognize the huge opportunity that women offer. That is, the opportunity to maximize knowledge in the workforce, and maximize profitability. I also think that government needs to take a more active role in allowing women to get those senior level positions.
I totally agree with this. I find it really interesting that Norway has such government regulations. With these regulations I have to wonder if the women are more excepted or how they approached the regulation. Did they just start interviewing more women in order to find better women leaders? If so it is great that they are taking advantage of a larger job pool, however I think it is sad that women can't get to top leadership positions without the governments help. Does that mean they have good leadership traits or styles? I hope they are not just given the positions because they have to, I hope they are finding the kind of women who will better their companies.
ReplyDelete-Danielle Sparacino
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ReplyDeleteThe article states that they have percentage quota's to fill. That being said I agree this is not the best outcome, however I think these laws are giving those qualified women more of a chance to fill those top positions.
ReplyDelete-Anna Swacker
This issue of women not receiving higher status and pay in companies is outrage. I know as a fact that studies has shown that women are actually smarter than men. As Anna mentioned, more than half of graduates of universities/colleges are women. Employers of companies should not be sexist! When employers hire they should hire not on sex, but on credentials and the persons attitude toward being part of their organization. An employer needs to look recognize the the different skills and behavior traits that women bring to an organization. Why doesn’t the government start looking into the success Norway has had in making cracks in the glass ceiling? The United States needs to do put in place some policies that give women a greater chance to be recognized and promoted in an organization.
ReplyDelete-Mitchell Terry
I agree that this is a good thing that the Norwegian government has stepped in and started to force companies to hire women. I do however also agree with Anna that forcing the companies to do this isn't the best way. Too many of those companies are going to promote people solely based on gender rather than credentials just to meet a certain quota. The last thing we want to see happen is to have women get promoted and paid to just sit there and stay out of the mix.
ReplyDelete-Geoffrey Ali