Increasing numbers of women in multinational companies is one of the significant changes experienced by the corporate sector in recent years. Statistics reveals that around 22 percent of executives are women in UK companies. Likewise, around one-third of women constitute the members nominated to the boards of directors in US companies this year. These data highlight that the role of women are making gradual presence in the business world. This paper aims to draw attention to the changing role of women in today's dynamic business contour. The author has cited examples of efficient women leaders who have overcome obstacles to reach the path of success.
Research studies have testified that women are more persuasive, assertive, and risk-takers compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, women leaders were found to be more flexible, empathetic, and high in interpersonal skills. These characteristics combine to create a leadership style that is participative, inclusive, collaborative, and open, says Herb Greenberg, CEO at Caliper. Succinctly put, behavioral traits of women, when applied to leading, naturally happen to embrace the participative leadership style that is considered highly suited to motivate the workforce and optimize the performance.
Caliper, a management consulting firm, conducted a study that revealed following significant findings:
1. Women leaders resemble resilience and learn from adversity.
2. Women leaders reflect better decision-making, problem-solving and team-building skills.
3. Women, by nature, tend to ignore rules and take calculated risks.
These findings overtly affirm that the women have natural characteristics for an effective leadership, and they are creating a new leadership paradigm in almost all walks. Women representation in high profile jobs is increasing gradually. Data has also revealed that financially best performing companies have more women leaders.
Psychology approves that women are more conscientious than man; they understand others' emotions better than males. These factors increase their efficiency in team handling and addressing cultural diversity at the workplace. There are examples galore that define how women have overcome odds to tread the long journey and created a successful leadership. Katherine Graham, CEO Washington Post, made a formidable rise publishing after her husband's death. Her autobiography states that courage and passion were the traits that helped her drive through the odds. The name Oprah Winfrey is not unknown today; she started her television career to become the first African-American billionaire. Her passion for helping others contributed to the professional success. She beautifully used her programs to bring out a feeling of fulfillment and a difference in the lives of the people.
A study on Kuwaiti female leaders exhibited that cultural experiences put a great influences on leadership style of females and their approach to leadership. In response to these questions, five themes that emerged were:
- Education
- Life experiences
- Wisdom shared
- Lessons learned
- Work-life balance
These themes were found to have a strong correlation with leadership abilities. For instance, work-life balance, relation with the spouse and overall family environment affected their professional life. The study also identified a two-way interaction between Kuwaiti women and culture. Not only the culture impacted their leadership style; their leadership approach also affected the culture and male perspective towards them. Their effective leadership forced males to believe in their capabilities and leadership strengths.
Succinctly put, the role of women has changed substantially in the business environment. They have exhibited their prowess, capabilities and handled vital position be it sports, business, Government or any other area. Their behavior traits include compassion, empathy, inclusion, emotions, and convincing. It is the reason they prove better in motivating their team members and handling diversity in the organization.
However, this change of role is notable in only in some countries like US, UK, and Canada. In most of Asian and African countries, women workforce is significantly behind male counterparts, in numbers as well as in designations. These nations need to put efforts to ameliorate the position of women in business and society.
References
Al-Suwaihel, O. (2009). Kuwaiti Female Leaders' Perspectives: The Influence of Culture on Their Leadership. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research , 55-62.
Caliper. (2013). Qualitites that Distinguish Women Leaders. Retrieved November 20, 2014, from calipercorp.com: https://www.calipercorp.com/portfolio/the-qualities-that-distinguish-women-leaders/
Forbes. (2014, May 8). Companies Do Better With Women Leaders. Retrieved November 21, 2014, from forbes.com: http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/08/05/companies-do-better-with-women-leaders-but-women-need-more-confidence-to-lead-study-says/
Francis, T. (2014, September 25). More Women Nominated to Boards at Big US Companies. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from The Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/articles/more-women-nominated-to-boards-at-big-u-s-companies-1411679142
Klenke, K. (2011). Women in Leadership: Contextual Dynamics and Boundaries. Bingley: Emerald Group.
