It has been a hot topic in the business world for years; the role of women, especially in top management. Is there now complete equality? Or is there still the so-called 'glass ceiling'? It is a fact that few women rise to top positions in the business world. When would that happen, and what is that like for your company?
Men and a better atmosphere in the workplace
It is no longer an open secret that women are important within companies. Various studies have shown that the presence of more women has a positive effect on, for example, the working atmosphere within a company. And a better atmosphere ensures better results. Despite the fact that this is now a broad concept, it is still often said that women are (consciously or unconsciously) discriminated against in business, which is often seen as a man's world.
Few top positions for women
If we look at the facts, you could indeed draw the conclusion that women and men are still not treated equally. There are still very few women who progress to real top positions. And while there are now approximately as many women as men working in the Netherlands. But what are the underlying causes? One of the main reasons given is a lack of ambition to rise to the top. According to many, men are often more career-oriented and have just a little more ego, bluff and ambition to reach the top. According to many, the fact that women often want to have children would also be an obstacle to a career at the top of the business world. How are things at your company? Are there women at the top?
Does the 'glass ceiling' still exist?
There is a lot of discussion about this so-called 'glass ceiling'. This concept means that an invisible ceiling is created for women at a certain level in the organization because the top positions are often filled by men, who prefer to have similar types next to them. Women often work completely differently from men, and that would prevent them from mixing with men. 'Are you tough enough' or 'can you handle the stress' are questions that are often asked to women who want to reach the top. Does the glass ceiling still exist, or is it a myth in these modern times? It is striking that top women from the business community already indicated in 2011 that the glass ceiling is mainly maintained by women themselves. Jannine van den Berg indicated that there are certainly major barriers, but that women with ambition can certainly reach the top. With courage, a plan and without modesty.
Want to play the game?
The business world, especially at the top, is a man's world. A world of bluff, daring and egos. According to van den Berg, women with ambition should play the game a little more. With courage and without modesty. Writer Elma Drayer offers a similar opinion. According to her, women who want to reach the top should adopt a more masculine attitude. By this she means that women should bluff more often and show more courage where they might not normally do so. Would that be the solution? Does gender discrimination still exist at all? There still appears to be no consensus on this. However, it is and remains a hard fact that there are few women active at the top. What do you think we could do about that?