Proportion of Men Employees in Organisations and the Experiences of Female Managers and Professionals

Organisations have historically been designed and managed by men (Morrison & Von Glinow, 1990). Even today, the number of women in the highest ranks of corporate management is still only about six per cent (Burke & McKeen, 1992). The presence of women at these senior levels may affect the experiences of managerial and professional women at lower organisational levels (Ely, 1991). In addition the presence of women at senior organisational levels may influence the behaviour of men, and the relationships of men and women, at lower levels as well (Kanter, 1977).