Six thousand women missing in top management job, does it matter - Essay Example

Burke and Vinnicombe (2006) contend that aging workforce and fewer new entrants has resulted in shortage of qualified leaders, forcing organizations to utilize and develop talents all of its employees. Under the circumstances they cannot afford to artificially limit the career possibilities of women. This itself implies that women are capable but are being denied the opportunities. Management diversity is defined as the proportion of women among the highest-ranking CEOs in firms and on boards of directors (Smith, Smith & Verner, 2006).

Female managers are supposed to be best qualified in terms of education for top management posts and to be on the board of directors. Since experiences of women differ from that of men, a diverse board has more alternatives to choose from while taking decision. Women have a better understanding of certain segments and this could lend creativity and innovation to the work place. Women on board of directors have positive impact on firm performance which is the reason why it matters if six thousand women are missing in top management job.

Even BBC who claims to be equal opportunity employers has only 10% of their senior staff as female. Despite women making advancements, the ‘glass ceiling’ effect still remains even though they have the desire to progress and posses the necessary educational qualifications (Cornelius & Skinner, 2006). Women have been found to be deficient in the management role and employers feel they should be able to make work their top priority without allowing emotions to interfere. There are other suggestions that women differ from men in their aspirations and expectations in career; they also differ in the definition of success.

Some researchers observe that women change their life choices after reaching middle management level. These observations basically stem from men and employers as a means to discourage women from aspiring for the senior level management positions. The HRM