As the
implementation of quotas is being debated in the community
to ensure a gender balance in board composition, it is clear
that we have reached the point where stricter measures are
being considered to effect change of the size and scope
needed. The Australian Centre for Leadership for Women (CLW)
released
its findings on 22 September 2009 based on a survey of 317
women, 93% of whom were Australian, on the difficulties
women experience getting into boards.
The Women Getting into Boards Report by Dr Diann
Rodgers-Healey, Founder of CLW indicates that from women’s
observations and insights about how to successfully achieve
a board position, particularly in the private sector, it can
be surmised that one ideally needs to:
-
be the right gender: male
-
have the right friends: corporate board members, high
profile influential contacts
-
have the right
experience:
have corporate
board experience, financial or business experience; be
financially independent in a full-time paid position
-
have the right skills set: financial, legal, management,
leadership
-
have the right qualification: tertiary degree in
finance, law, management
-
be of the right age: as skills set comes with
considerable experience, being a young achiever is
problematic
-
be in urban areas not rural
-
not be an immigrant or refugee
Women state that the recruitment process of boards
predominantly is inequitable as it lacks
transparency, clearly defined and realistic criteria and is
advertised to a selective group.
Women do not have the opportunity to apply because they do
not know which boards have vacancies. When they do apply,
they are judged against criteria which are discriminatory
and attitudes which rate their achievements and experiences
as unimportant and un-transferable.
This study reveals why
women want to join boards? Which resources do they access
and consider most effective? What can workplaces and the
Government do to assist them in their board membership
aspirations.
The findings of
this study will apply to women, workplaces, government and
most significantly to boards. Board members will gain an
insight into the perceptions women have of how boards
operate and how boards could benefit by adopting their
suggestions without them being imposed on them.
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