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Why Women Aren’t Where They Are Needed in the Workforce

Putting the Pieces Together

By Patricia Rankin and Donna Caccamise


July 21, 2017
This paper provides a broad review of evidence-based research, underlying theories, and interventions related to women's representation in the workforce. It introduces the complex issues at play in today's workplace. These issues contribute to creating a work culture that too often is unfriendly to women and subtly or not so subtly drives women from the workforce, particularly from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. A diverse workforce can lead to better outcomes, especially in a knowledge-based economy. The assertion here is that achieving a workforce fully inclusive of women, including at the leadership levels is desirable, and that this will require looking beyond laws and policies to address the biases that women face as well as practical concerns such as how to combine family life with a career. Simple steps such as using a qualifications checklist in the assessment of candidates for a position can help improve hiring, as would the availability of added career planning advice targeted at women and a greater awareness of the value of providing role models. Leadership programs designed to support the new models of collaborative work and encourage the participation of women can also help.

Description

Category Survey Reports
Author/Editor Patricia Rankin and Donna Caccamis
Date of Publication May 2017
Content Abstract
Overview
Social, Economic and Scientific Problem-Solving ‒ the Value of a Diverse Workforce
Cognitive Errors and Stereotype Threat
Patterns of Women’s Representation
Cultural Impacts on Employment of Women
Models of Workplace Cultures in STEM
Women in Leadership Roles
Impact of Leadership Styles
Biases Especially Impacting the Employment of Women
Addressing the Causes of Under-Representation
Keeping Women Interested
Work/life Balance
Work Teams Thrive with the Right Norms
Better Ways to Recruit and Assess Individuals
Developing Leadership Potential ‒ Existing Programs
Developing Future Leaders with the Right Professional Skills
Assessment of the Climate and Effectiveness of Interventions
Recommendations
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
Useful Materials/Further Reading
References
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