Question

Give two examples of how the increase in the number of women in the workplace over the past 50 years has shaped HR practices in the workplace.

Answer 1

Social movements have contributed to this change –

Feminist movement,

Equal opportunities legislation.

Example:

1.) Women are now found in occupations, industries and roles previously regarded as the sole prerogative of men: - There is evidence to indicate that companies with higher numbers of female board members perform better financially than those with fewer women.

The economist has argued that increasing the number of women in the workforce can boost a countries GDP by as much as up to 21%, and female entrepreneurs and business owners are on the increase, albeit often in lower revenue generating businesses.

2.) Evidence indicates that companies with higher numbers of female board members perform better financially: -

Traditionally those entrusted with the management of organisations have been keen to appoint someone who will fit in with their organisational culture, i.e. ‘one of us’ who is likely to be able to ‘hit the ground running’ thus minimising induction and development costs.

The net result is that managers have been more likely to promote others in their own likeness, and as most managers are men (35% of senior managers in the UK are women, with an EU average of 33.5%) this has inevitably impeded women trying to progress.

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