Women and the labyrinth of leadership
Women and the labyrinth of leadership
Eagly A.H., Carli L.L. Harvard Business Review (USA), September 2007, Vol. 85 No. 9, Start page: 63, No. of pages: 9
Purpose – To re-examine the causes of the under-representation of women at the most senior levels of management. Design/methodology/approach –Offers a brief statistical overview of the situation, noting that a similar situation exists both in the USA and in the European Union. Suggests that the glass ceiling metaphor is no longer entirely appropriate and argues that it fails to highlight the complexity and variety of challenges that women face in their leadership journey. Observes that belief in the existence of a glass ceiling leads people to emphasize a particular type of intervention which,whilst necessary, is not sufficient and takes resources and attention away from other approaches that might address the problem more effectively. Describes metaphors as “part of the storytelling that can compel change” and suggests that a labyrinth would be a better metaphor for the situation confronting women in their professional endeavors. Discusses a range of associated issues, including vestiges of prejudice; resistance to women’s leadership; issues of leadership style; the demands of family life; and under-investment in social capital. Considers and dismisses the argument that it is only a question of time before women achieve greater access to leadership roles and proposes a number of actions that a company can take if it wishes to see more women in its executive suite. Originality/value – Reviews some of the obstacles to the achievement of gender-balanced leadership.ISSN:0017-8012Reference: 36AY726
Keywords: Women executives, Senior management, Leadership, Bias,Gender
