Quicklinks

Companies: More Talk than Walk

A recent McKinsey survey highlights the divide between companies that take gender seriously, and those that don't. Although most executives surveyed believed there is a link between gender balance in leadership and better financial performance, most companies have taken few actions to actually achieve it.

  • The results of the survey show that gender issues are not high on the list of priorities for most companies, despite 72% of respondents who believe there is a link between better gender balance and financial results.
  • There was a 32% difference between those companies who mark gender diversity as a top 3 item on their agendas and how much gender balance they actually achieve at executive level positions.

The Numbers

  • 72% of those questioned believe there is a connection between diverse leadership teams and financial success.
  • 58% of men agree with the above, along with 85% of women.
  • 28% of all companies who took the survey have gender diversity as a top 10 agenda item.
  • 32% said it was not on their companies’ agenda at all.

“It is notable that few companies’ top management teams currently monitor relevant programs. The differences executives report at the most diverse companies suggest some ways all companies can improve their gender diversity and, eventually, their financial performance.”

Mckinsey Quarterly

Global Perspectives

Another compeitive edge for Asian companies may be the focus they put on gender?

  • Asia-Pacific: 35% of companies in AsiaPac say that gender balance is a top-10 agenda item for their companies.
  • Latin America: 21% n Latin America
  • Europe: 27%
  • North America:28%
  • 80% of those surveyed think that there has been no change in their companies’ views of gender diversity since the financial crisis began.

Though the numbers seem low, the study seems to conflict with evidence that companies do, in fact, believe in the performance of women leaders. At the moment, the Asia-Pacific market leads the way in gender diversity.

Forbes.com summary

Share



20-FIRST ON THE MOVE

MAY

  • Singapore
  • Paris
  • Marseilles
  • London
  • Düsseldorf

JUNE

  • Copenhagen
  • Milan
  • Paris
  • London
  • Geneva
  • Düsseldorf

JULY

  • Chautauqua