Organisations
must change tactics in the boardroom if they are to attract high-performing
women and compete in the ‘war for talent’, according to a new report from the
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Women
in the boardroom, A bird’s eye view, finds that organisations are driving
talent away, with many women who have the capability to reach the top choosing
to build businesses of their own.
Being
at the top involves a new set of male-dominated rules and norms, and these can
limit women entering the boardroom, make them feel isolated or drive them to
leave, says the report.
One
interviewee said: "I see the trappings of higher status, more money or a
bigger car as geared towards a male perspective of success."
Dianah
Worman, CIPD diversity adviser, said: "While work practices have
drastically changed over the years, some board members appear to be stuck in
the 19th century. They must change
their image of an ‘old boys’ club’ and start representing the present
workforce.
"Organisations
need to address these problems and look for ways to make the boardroom culture
more diverse and appealing to all high-performers, including women.
Flexibility, environment and culture are equally – or more – important than money
in attracting and retaining employees," she said.
