The issue is:
Why is that women are not accepted in the leadership roles? I have been told that there are 25 woman is the leadership role in fortune 1000 companies, which is less than 3%. What is stopping them to move and stopping us to accept them.
My second set of questions were drive from and influenced by the responses that I received where some of the females stated that “they let the leadership role forgo for the sake of their family”. I take this as an excuse. It is like “grapes are sour”. If you are career oriented and want to grow in your profession, you should go to the top. Then comes my second set of questions. I try to find the cost of everything that I do. Growing economy, Growing social status, Growing wealth, this is fine but then what is the cost that we are paying for it? Is it worth?
Acknowledged by Arooj
From Pakistan, Lahore
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5Why is that women are not accepted in the leadership roles? I have been told that there are 25 woman is the leadership role in fortune 1000 companies, which is less than 3%. What is stopping them to move and stopping us to accept them.
My second set of questions were drive from and influenced by the responses that I received where some of the females stated that “they let the leadership role forgo for the sake of their family”. I take this as an excuse. It is like “grapes are sour”. If you are career oriented and want to grow in your profession, you should go to the top. Then comes my second set of questions. I try to find the cost of everything that I do. Growing economy, Growing social status, Growing wealth, this is fine but then what is the cost that we are paying for it? Is it worth?
Acknowledged by Arooj
From Pakistan, Lahore
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Hi Arooj,
Good question raised by you. I just wanted to ask you something (assuming you are a male). What will be your reaction if you have to report to a female boss who is smarter and more efficient than you, and moreover, your client also treats her differently because she is a woman? The client uses all the abuses on you (assuming that you are the second in line command after your female boss) but behaves politely with your female boss.
I don't agree with the latter part of the statement where you say that females come up with excuses like "I had to take care of my personal life." In my short career in the corporate world, I have met a few females who have wonderfully managed their professional and personal lives.
I don't say that females don't give up their careers to manage family; very often they do, but that depends on an individual and how she sets her priorities in life. It cannot be an excuse for not reaching the epitome of success.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty
From India, Pune
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Good question raised by you. I just wanted to ask you something (assuming you are a male). What will be your reaction if you have to report to a female boss who is smarter and more efficient than you, and moreover, your client also treats her differently because she is a woman? The client uses all the abuses on you (assuming that you are the second in line command after your female boss) but behaves politely with your female boss.
I don't agree with the latter part of the statement where you say that females come up with excuses like "I had to take care of my personal life." In my short career in the corporate world, I have met a few females who have wonderfully managed their professional and personal lives.
I don't say that females don't give up their careers to manage family; very often they do, but that depends on an individual and how she sets her priorities in life. It cannot be an excuse for not reaching the epitome of success.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty
From India, Pune
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Hi Arooj,
All I wanted to point out is, women are still treated differently at the workplace, and sometimes I feel that it doesn't help them to grow; instead, it affects their career adversely. As per the example I have mentioned in the earlier post, the male counterparts start nurturing negative feelings for their female boss just because she is getting special treatment from the client. In this process, they fail to admire the qualities in her and only talk about the advantage she is getting as a "female employee."
I guess it's high time people should stop treating a female employee differently from their male counterparts and let them face the challenges at the workplace (except in situations where physical labor is needed). I guess this will motivate the females at their workplace, and someday we will reach the top! I hope this makes sense to you.
These are my personal opinions, and I do not intend to challenge any other views on the same.
Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty
From India, Pune
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All I wanted to point out is, women are still treated differently at the workplace, and sometimes I feel that it doesn't help them to grow; instead, it affects their career adversely. As per the example I have mentioned in the earlier post, the male counterparts start nurturing negative feelings for their female boss just because she is getting special treatment from the client. In this process, they fail to admire the qualities in her and only talk about the advantage she is getting as a "female employee."
I guess it's high time people should stop treating a female employee differently from their male counterparts and let them face the challenges at the workplace (except in situations where physical labor is needed). I guess this will motivate the females at their workplace, and someday we will reach the top! I hope this makes sense to you.
These are my personal opinions, and I do not intend to challenge any other views on the same.
Thanks and Regards,
Indrani Chakraborty
From India, Pune
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Dear Indrani,
What can I say further or what comes to my mind next after your email is that it appears to be a cultural norm in the Asian region to treat women in this manner. Whether we are educated or not, we seem unable to accept females excelling their male counterparts.
You are right. It is indeed high time to accept and allow females to do better if they can and become shining stars within Fortune 1000 companies.
From Pakistan, Lahore
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What can I say further or what comes to my mind next after your email is that it appears to be a cultural norm in the Asian region to treat women in this manner. Whether we are educated or not, we seem unable to accept females excelling their male counterparts.
You are right. It is indeed high time to accept and allow females to do better if they can and become shining stars within Fortune 1000 companies.
From Pakistan, Lahore
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Very simple. Where there is talent, we have to respect it and accept it. Since our country had been a male-dominated world, women were not allowed to enrich their knowledge, and going to school was a taboo.
They were not allowed to think beyond family, rearing children, cooking, and the like. Hence, they remained illiterate or undereducated.
Now things have changed; women have the fire to prove success, and male chauvinism sneaks its nose and shows a bit of rage.
For example, ICICI - Kalpana Morparia, NABARD - Ranjana Kumar, BIOCON - Kiran Mazumdar, IPS - Kiran Bedi, PEPSI - Indra Nooyi, JUMBO Group - Vidya, TIMES Group - Indu Jain, MICROSOFT India - Neelam are some prominent women in India.
Of course, this list alone came to my mind, and I would have left out many names as well.
There is no gender discrimination outwardly, but it happens under the canopy throughout the country. Males have to change...!!! Not into females but in their approach to women.
Ladies, march ahead to compete with men.
Regards,
Chandru
From India, Madras
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They were not allowed to think beyond family, rearing children, cooking, and the like. Hence, they remained illiterate or undereducated.
Now things have changed; women have the fire to prove success, and male chauvinism sneaks its nose and shows a bit of rage.
For example, ICICI - Kalpana Morparia, NABARD - Ranjana Kumar, BIOCON - Kiran Mazumdar, IPS - Kiran Bedi, PEPSI - Indra Nooyi, JUMBO Group - Vidya, TIMES Group - Indu Jain, MICROSOFT India - Neelam are some prominent women in India.
Of course, this list alone came to my mind, and I would have left out many names as well.
There is no gender discrimination outwardly, but it happens under the canopy throughout the country. Males have to change...!!! Not into females but in their approach to women.
Ladies, march ahead to compete with men.
Regards,
Chandru
From India, Madras
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Hi all,
I agree with Chandru's views. However, I also strongly feel that many women put their careers on hold for their families' sake. For example, Mrs. Sudha Narayana Murthy, while narrating their life, clearly mentioned that Mr. Narayana Murthy said that only one of them would be on the board, not both. She understood why he made such a decision. Building an organization requires high focus, undivided attention, complete dedication, full energy, and a bit of sacrifice on the personal front. Therefore, whether a woman can provide all this to the organization depends on her priorities and the support system she has on the domestic front.
Yes, I do agree that with the changing times, more and more women are climbing the corporate ladder at a faster pace because ultimately, no one can impede a highly talented, hardworking lady for long.
Regards,
Vani
From India, Pune
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I agree with Chandru's views. However, I also strongly feel that many women put their careers on hold for their families' sake. For example, Mrs. Sudha Narayana Murthy, while narrating their life, clearly mentioned that Mr. Narayana Murthy said that only one of them would be on the board, not both. She understood why he made such a decision. Building an organization requires high focus, undivided attention, complete dedication, full energy, and a bit of sacrifice on the personal front. Therefore, whether a woman can provide all this to the organization depends on her priorities and the support system she has on the domestic front.
Yes, I do agree that with the changing times, more and more women are climbing the corporate ladder at a faster pace because ultimately, no one can impede a highly talented, hardworking lady for long.
Regards,
Vani
From India, Pune
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For all woman out there...one big question. Are you supporting the candidature of Ms Hillary Clinton for the presidency of USA???
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Mr. Muthu,
The article was very informative and an excellent post. In fact, the whole discussion regarding the question at hand was very knowledgeable and prompts us to think beyond recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisals, and leave policies. 😉
Thanks to all the members who contributed to this wonderful post.
Regards,
Pinkii
From India, New Delhi
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The article was very informative and an excellent post. In fact, the whole discussion regarding the question at hand was very knowledgeable and prompts us to think beyond recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisals, and leave policies. 😉
Thanks to all the members who contributed to this wonderful post.
Regards,
Pinkii
From India, New Delhi
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Yesterday, there was a topic on "Taare Zameen Par." Responses were mostly evasive of the right interpretation and evaluation. This is another such topic.
Male bosses also do not get support, and not all male bosses are successful, but they find a way. Female bosses (with reference to the issue), instead of sympathizing with themselves and expecting empathy from others, would do well if the focus and direction are deemed important and effective to the subordinates.
Job > Process > Result determines acceptance, not the gender (my view).
From India
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Male bosses also do not get support, and not all male bosses are successful, but they find a way. Female bosses (with reference to the issue), instead of sympathizing with themselves and expecting empathy from others, would do well if the focus and direction are deemed important and effective to the subordinates.
Job > Process > Result determines acceptance, not the gender (my view).
From India
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Hi Arooj,
It's an interesting point you have raised. What I think is that the misconception or perception, whatever you call it, still exists in the minds of some people who don't agree with this point. Let me tell you that in earlier days, maybe since early man's age, there has been male domination until the 90s. However, from the mid-'90s, there has been a shift in the stance, and the world started to recognize women's leadership with examples that you are familiar with. But there is still male domination in some companies where they neither encourage females to take initiative nor recognize their efforts.
There are also other reasons, such as family constraints for some females, that hinder their career growth. Additionally, the main perception of not handling the leadership role properly. I don't agree with this. The main reason behind it is that if a female takes the lead, some male members feel guilty. This mindset should be removed. However, even in some organizations, there is no encouragement of female leadership.
With regards,
Valbooj
From India, Hyderabad
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It's an interesting point you have raised. What I think is that the misconception or perception, whatever you call it, still exists in the minds of some people who don't agree with this point. Let me tell you that in earlier days, maybe since early man's age, there has been male domination until the 90s. However, from the mid-'90s, there has been a shift in the stance, and the world started to recognize women's leadership with examples that you are familiar with. But there is still male domination in some companies where they neither encourage females to take initiative nor recognize their efforts.
There are also other reasons, such as family constraints for some females, that hinder their career growth. Additionally, the main perception of not handling the leadership role properly. I don't agree with this. The main reason behind it is that if a female takes the lead, some male members feel guilty. This mindset should be removed. However, even in some organizations, there is no encouragement of female leadership.
With regards,
Valbooj
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi, I agree with your point but not fully because nowadays we are seeing that everywhere women lead the company by managing their personal lives very well. Being a part of a good company with a good position is a matter of honor and desire. From my point of view, only those women come who have desires and are ready to face all the challenges ahead.
Thank you.
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Thank you.
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these days, women are already accepted to be leaders, as there are even women presidents already.
From Philippines
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From Philippines
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Out of 184 countries in the world, how many countries have or had a woman as a Prime Minister or President? How many women in your company are working at the level of Manager or higher than that?
Thanks and Regards.
From India, Mumbai
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Thanks and Regards.
From India, Mumbai
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alomost in 128 countries - a survey conducted by UNOs womens wing there is atleast a woman playing a role as ahead of political party(small&big) in every country. with regards valbooj
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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Thanx Muthukumar...The Posts have taught me that now there will be change in perception about Women as CEO. And the new world will shine better. Arooj
From Pakistan, Lahore
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From Pakistan, Lahore
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Hi all,
I would like to shed light on Mrs. Sudha Murthy. Forty years ago, she went to the TATA group for an interview and was denied an offer solely because of her gender. She stood her ground and argued with the late JRD Tata, eventually securing a job. I learned about this from a TV interview with her. Eventually, she chose to resign from her position.
What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.
Regards,
Chandru
From India, Madras
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I would like to shed light on Mrs. Sudha Murthy. Forty years ago, she went to the TATA group for an interview and was denied an offer solely because of her gender. She stood her ground and argued with the late JRD Tata, eventually securing a job. I learned about this from a TV interview with her. Eventually, she chose to resign from her position.
What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.
Regards,
Chandru
From India, Madras
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Now, at present, I don't have the exact figure. But one example I can give is the Congress party political leader and "WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2007," Sonia Gandhi. Pakistan's PPP leader, the late Mrs. Bhutto, Sri Lankan President Kumari Bhandari Nayakai, Myanmar's great stalwart Suu Kyi, and the German President are some of them.
Remember what Swami Vivekananda had said: "Give me 5 women instead of 20 men."
Thank you,
Valbooj
From India, Hyderabad
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Remember what Swami Vivekananda had said: "Give me 5 women instead of 20 men."
Thank you,
Valbooj
From India, Hyderabad
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It is not that women are not career-oriented or do not want to get to the top. There are many women who are career-oriented and definitely have their career as their top priority.
But let's stop and take stock of the situation. How many companies in India are willing to make way for a woman to be at the top? How many top companies in India have a woman heading their organization? Hardly any if my memory serves me right, unless it's a family business like Thermax, Firodia Group, etc., where the hot seat is passed on to the next in line family member.
If we had opportunities, then Indra Nooyi would not have gone out of India to be where she is today. Also, Kiran Bedi too has resigned not because she is not career-oriented, but simply because she chose to stand by her principles and not buckle under the male-centered political pressure.
Sad to say, but even today, as much as we have developed as a country and are on our way to being a superpower not in the far future, we still treat our women as second-class citizens and look down upon women as decorative pieces. Why is it hard to accept that a woman can also have brains with her beauty, that she too is an intelligent creation of God?
From India, Pune
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But let's stop and take stock of the situation. How many companies in India are willing to make way for a woman to be at the top? How many top companies in India have a woman heading their organization? Hardly any if my memory serves me right, unless it's a family business like Thermax, Firodia Group, etc., where the hot seat is passed on to the next in line family member.
If we had opportunities, then Indra Nooyi would not have gone out of India to be where she is today. Also, Kiran Bedi too has resigned not because she is not career-oriented, but simply because she chose to stand by her principles and not buckle under the male-centered political pressure.
Sad to say, but even today, as much as we have developed as a country and are on our way to being a superpower not in the far future, we still treat our women as second-class citizens and look down upon women as decorative pieces. Why is it hard to accept that a woman can also have brains with her beauty, that she too is an intelligent creation of God?
From India, Pune
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Women heading a political movement should not be compared here. This is because they are merely the heirs to their parental lineage in politics. The stories of Indira Gandhi (Nehru), Benazir Bhutto (Zulfikar Bhutto), Sheikh Hasina (Mujibur Rahman), Chandrika or Sirimavo Bandaranaike, etc. We just have to see how many common women have risen to that position despite the hard obstacles. This is changing now, and we have to accept.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Hi Arooj,
I think we should not undermine the fact that there is a social and biological aspect that leads to this. The growth pattern of an executive is highest when he is in his last 20's and 30's. You are now mature enough and willing to go that extra mile for the enhancement of your career. While women also choose the family to look after, they have to be good mothers and fulfill the laws of nature and society. This is the period when they can bear children initially and still go to their jobs.
If we look at the growth pattern of women executives, most of them have all been highlighted in their late 50's. A major chunk of the progress of a lady executive is taken away for the family's stability. Though there are exceptions, society accepts those who can handle the family and career well.
Hats off to all who are doing a good job with all odds against them.
Sandeep Sable
From India, Pune
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I think we should not undermine the fact that there is a social and biological aspect that leads to this. The growth pattern of an executive is highest when he is in his last 20's and 30's. You are now mature enough and willing to go that extra mile for the enhancement of your career. While women also choose the family to look after, they have to be good mothers and fulfill the laws of nature and society. This is the period when they can bear children initially and still go to their jobs.
If we look at the growth pattern of women executives, most of them have all been highlighted in their late 50's. A major chunk of the progress of a lady executive is taken away for the family's stability. Though there are exceptions, society accepts those who can handle the family and career well.
Hats off to all who are doing a good job with all odds against them.
Sandeep Sable
From India, Pune
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