More women are becoming managers but they are still concerned over equality,
according to research by the Institute of Management.
A quarter of managers are now women compared with 9 per cent a decade ago,
and one in 10 directors are female. This representation at boardroom level is a
five- fold increase from the early 1990s.
The report called A Woman’s Place? also shows a third of the 1,500 women
surveyed believe their organisation still discriminates against women managers
in terms of pay policy.
Nearly half think women still suffer discrimination when it comes to
promotion.
Mary Chapman, director-general of the Institute of Management, said,
"It’s good news that women are using their training and skills to grasp
opportunities in management.
"But many still perceive unacceptable levels of discrimination in pay
and promotion. Organisations need to tackle these issues head on with transparent
reward and promotion procedures based on ability and achievement."
The research shows women in senior management positions are becoming
important role models.
The number of women who cite their female manager as supportive of their
career has risen from 16 per cent in 1992 to 26 per cent. However, 35 per cent
still list the "old boys’ network" as a career barrier – a drop of
eight per cent since 1992 – and 16 per cent still say they are hindered by
sexual discrimination – down from nearly a quarter.
Over a quarter cite family commitments as a career barrier.
Today’s female managers are confident in their abilities and their value in
the workplace, with 56 per cent aspiring to a board level position, says the
report.
Many are also becoming the main breadwinners in their families. Just over 40
per cent of female executives married or living with a partner bring home the
main salary and a further 33 per cent are joint breadwinners.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
By Lisa Bratby
