Discourse of Gender: The impact of gender disparities in organizations
2014 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
A growing number of studies show that equality between women and men is a determinant of sustainable economic growth in the long-term. It is clear however, that the economic potential of women remains underexploited. At a time when growth is weak, it is undoubtedly more important than ever to take steps to put women at the heart of the economic recovery and lay the foundation for a stronger and more dynamic Europe. The magnitude of gender disparities in the European labour market is striking: 59.1% of women of working age are active compared to 72.8% of men (Figures 2008), women earn 17% less than men and their jobs are often inferior or part-time (31.1% of women work parttime, and only 7.9% of men). Research conducted at the request of the Swedish Presidency of the EU (2009) were used to estimate the economic impact of equality on the labour market (defined as equality between men and women in terms employment rates, wages and proportion of part-time and self-employment) in the EU and have shown that such equality could increase gross domestic product (GDP) of the member states by 27% on average. Although this analysis is based on a hypothesis, it shows the potential economic benefits of improving the employment rate of women and equality between women and men in all aspects of professional life. One of the major problems to be solved is the persistent under-representation of women in positions of responsibility and major decision-making bodies. In the business world, the current lack of women in senior positions is partly explained by historical stereotypes of the different roles of men and women, which are no longer applicable in contemporary society. In addition to this, studies increasingly show that diversity pays off and that companies whose board of directors include women often displays higher levels of profitability. In politics, equal representation of men and women is a democratic right - the decisions that affect the lives of all citizens must be taken by a meeting of representatives that is fair and reflects the composition of the population. This report examines two aspects of gender inequality, the balance between men and women in positions of responsibility in the world and the dissemination of information on issues of equality between women and men. It also reviews some of the features and initiatives implemented to remove barriers that exclude women from positions of responsibility. The report finishes by briefly examining the balance between men and women in the business world in Europe, the member states and in several other countries where gender inequality has also become a concern.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2014. , p. 97
Keywords [en]
Leadership, gender, sex, female, male, women, men, gender inequalities, feminism, female leadership, the glass ceiling, stereotypes, wages differences, men’s jobs, women’s jobs
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-40645OAI: oai:DiVA.org:lnu-40645DiVA, id: diva2:793376
Subject / course
Business Administration - Organization Leadership
Educational program
Leadership and Management in International Context, Master Programme, 60 credits
Supervisors
Examiners
2015-03-112015-03-062015-03-11Bibliographically approved