Better recruitment processes are one of a number of recommendations for boosting the number of women on boards made in new research from Hanken School of Economics assistant professor Emilia Vähämaa, together with professor Kim Ittonen and assistant professor Jesper Haga.
The research argues for the implementation of new systematic recruitment processes that define the kind of skills that are needed by the candidate and the way these skills are evaluated.
The metals and forest industries, Vähämaa explained, are examples of “male-dominated industries where the majority of those in management are men. It has proven difficult to create more equality with only self-regulation and own choices.”
Self-regulation is set to end by 2026 when a new EU directive of having women represent at least one third of all listed board members comes into effect. While quotas can often be a divisive subject, the researchers believe Finland should implement this quota sooner. “No one thinks that quotas are optimal, but many see it as necessary to achieve change,” Vähämaa said.
Barriers to equality identified in the report include women being more risk averse and more critical of their skills, as well as having greater responsibility at home. It also suggested that women may lack motivation to go into careers that are known to pay men more than women for the same job.
As is frequently the case, mentoring is put forward by the report as a good way to support career planning. In addition, it underlines the value of female professionals actively promoting their knowledge.
While there is still a long way to go, Vähämaa remains optimistic about the progress made towards gender equality: “Attitudes and values in society mean that companies have increasingly begun to pay attention to the role of women in management. Companies are more aware of all the benefits that diversity creates.”
This article originally appeared in the print edition (Issue 2 2023) of Business Impact, magazine of the Business Graduates Association (BGA).
Women hold 60 per cent of leadership roles at IU International University in Germany. Vice-rector of accreditation and study formats Regina Cordes explains how equal opportunities are embedded as a core organisational value
A recent roundtable at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University underlined the importance of encouraging women to pursue careers in academia. Ellen Buchan reports
A Woxsen University initiative aims to empower female secondary school students to break free of societal expectations, while also upskilling MBA students. Dean Kakoli Sen explains the process behind Project Aspiration
The artificial intelligence (AI) genie is firmly out of the bottle and it’s the duty of educators to instigate a behavioural change in students to ensure the understand its capabilities and can use it responsibly in both their education and future careers. Professor Uma Gunasilan, associate dean of research at Hult International Business School, and career development advisor Nikhil Soi explain further
For questions about editorial opportunities, please contact:
