An Inquiry into Women Representation in Management

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introducing Women in Management

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   This chapter introduces the topic of women's representation in management and key concepts related to gender-inequality and women in management. It also provides the background to the subject. The chapter also explains the objectives of the study and research methodology. Before the primary survey, a pilot study was conducted to understand the subjectivity of the topic. Here, valuable insights from the pilot study are provided. This pilot study is based on the 38 case studies of women managers from Indian industries. A few important insights are as follows: Glass Ceiling is visible in the studied organisations, gender representation at various departments is uneven, women’s limited presence in core departments indicates the presence of ‘Glass Walls’ in the organisations, etc.

3. Chapter 2. Review of Recent Studies on Women in Management

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   This chapter reviews existing literature meticulously which are relevant to the study of women’s representation in management. Before exploring the literature on the research area of women in management, it is essential to understand the concept of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’. Several key concepts are reviewed in this chapter. It first introduces the key concepts such as gender versus sex, patriarchy and feminism to understand the concept of women in society, gender gap, women’s current representation in management, gender inequality and factors acting as barriers and promoters of career success. It also reviews the literature on women in management in India and at the global level in terms of the concepts of Glass Ceiling, Glass Walls, Gender Diversity and Gender Inequality. Policies and actions taken up by the Government of India to bring equality and justice are also reviewed.

4. Chapter 3. Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Position of Women in Management

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   This chapter presents an overview of the conceptual understanding of ‘women in management’ to develop the conceptual framework. The study has examined the three theoretical approaches in the field of women in management, namely gender-centred perspective, organisational perspective and gender-organisational-system perspective (Akpinar-Sposito, 2013). Further, it also adds a fourth dimension—work perspective. It identifies different variables and possible associations among them under four dimensions—Personal, Work, Organisational and Social. It touches upon personal factors vital for career growth which include personality, experience, skills and family responsibilities. It introduces the reader to organisational factors associated with career growth at the management level positions. It discusses mentoring and counselling, training and development opportunities and networking which are essential for career growth. It highlights the work factors which may change the workplace diversity compositions. These factors include the type of work, key assignments, department, average number of office hours in a week, average number of outdoor duty hours, work environment, nature of work and work pressures. It includes social factors like gender stereotypes, occupational segregation and patriarchy. (This chapter is based on two unpublished works of the authors. One is a doctoral thesis of Sanskruti Kadam, and another is a research report on women in management done by Samapti Guha sponsored by ICSSR, India).

5. Chapter 4. Socio-Economic Profile of Respondent-Managers

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the status of executives in Mumbai based on primary data. Post-positivism is followed epistemologically. The findings of the study are based on the empirical survey conducted in 22 industries where 560 managerial executives from different levels of management have participated. The participants of the study are employed in a variety of industries including Banking, Pharmaceuticals, IT, Finance, Engineering, Jewellery, Telecom, Chemical & Fertilizer, Shipping & Logistics, Construction, Insurance, Chemicals, Power, Steel, Media, Automobile, Textile, Petrochemical/Oil & Gas, Cement, Paints, Aviation and Glass. The study has been conducted in both Private and Public organisations operating in service and manufacturing sectors. Here, both men and women executives are considered to understand the barriers faced by women executives through the lenses of executives across the gender. It also discusses demographic profile, personal profile, organisational profile, work profile and social profile that may impact the career growth of women executives. This chapter is based on two unpublished works of authors. One is doctoral thesis of Sanskruti Kadam and another is a research report on women in management done by Samapti Guha sponsored by ICSSR, India.

6. Chapter 5. Analysis of Determinants of Women Representation in Management

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the factors impacting women in management in Mumbai. Based on the primary data, an analysis of women representation in management is performed. It is important to understand how four dimensions, Personal, work, organisational and social, determine the women representation in management in Indian industries. The data collected from 560 respondents are thoroughly analysed using a range of statistical techniques like Chi-square test, Exploratory Factors Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Findings support that there are several biases in the Indian industries related to women representation in management. It also shows us that several stereotypical beliefs such as men are ambitious, men are emotionally strong, etc., exist in the Indian industries and are affecting women’s career growth. It is shown that where personal, work and organisational-related factors are significantly determining women representation in management, social factors are insignificant.

7. Chapter 6. Current Challenges and Future Directions of Women in Management

   Samapti Guha, Sanskruti Rajesh Kadam

   Abstract

   In this chapter, based on our analysis, several issues of women in management are discussed. The new contribution of this study is also discussed. It is found in our research that even women executives along with the men executives also accepted several gender stereotypes existing in the industries. Historically, it is found that women are outsiders of the labour market under patriarchy and occupational segregation is evident in the industries. Further, it is one of the major barriers to women’s career growth. It is found in our study that, at the top-level management, the intensity of glass ceiling is higher than at other levels of management. Overall, women are facing several barriers in the management. In this chapter, several strategies women adopted for reaching the top management level are discussed, so that organisations can adopt policies that help women to grow in their career. It also suggests the unexplored field of research for future study on this issue.

8. Backmatter