The Business Case for Gender Diversity: Update 2017

by | May 3, 2017 | benefits of diversity, better decisions, bottom line value of gender diversity, Business Case, business case for gender diversity, business value diversity, business value of gender diversity, Diversity and engagement, diversity and inclusion, Gender Balance, gender diversity bottom line, gender diversity in leadership, gender inclusive | 0 comments

The business case for gender diversity in leadership is compelling. I’ve updated it to include (more) recent studies linking diversity and financial performance.

A Push to Get Women on Boards

by | Apr 25, 2017 | benefits of diversity, bottom line value of gender diversity, business case for gender diversity, business value of gender diversity, critical mass of women on boards, Gender diversity, gender diversity in leadership, Women on boards | 0 comments

The bronze statue of a young girl facing the Wall Street Bull will continue to provoke big firms to include more women on boards. It isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

Women’s Voices: Are They Fully Heard?

by | Oct 1, 2015 | appreciating difference, benefits of diversity, better decisions, business value of gender diversity, confidence, double bind, double bind, gender communication, gender diversity in leadership, masculine communication style, Sheryl Sandberg, women and confidence, women confidence, women in leadership, women masculine style, women self promotion | 0 comments

In many parts of the world, women’s voices are suppressed. In our western culture, in particular in the U.S. corporate world, women’s voices are not “suppressed.” But they are often not fully heard. Why not? Let me suggest four challenges, with the hope that awareness can help us better hear women’s voices right here in the USA. The feminine style of speech sounds less confident. Women assert themselves only when they really know. Women get “talked over.” And women who do speak up face the “double bind.”

The Business Case for Gender Diversity

by | Aug 12, 2015 | benefits of diversity, better decisions, bottom line value of gender diversity, Business Case, business value of gender diversity, Engagement, gender diversity bottom line, Talent pipeline, upside of gender diversity | 0 comments

I periodically update the research that forms the business case for gender balance at the leadership level. Here is my latest update. I review studies showing the business benefit of diversity and inclusion generally. Gender diversity brings all these benefits and more.

Gender Diversity on Boards: Good, Bad or Indifferent?

by | Jul 7, 2015 | benefits of diversity, bottom line value of gender diversity, Business Results, business value of gender diversity, gender diversity bottom line, gender diversity in leadership, Women on boards | 0 comments

One pillar of the business case for gender diversity in business leadership is its correlation with better financial results. Studies by Catalyst and McKinsey show strong correlations between gender diversity in senior leadership and on boards — and improved financial metrics. There are contrary studies related to board composition – showing no correlation or negative correlation. I hope researchers will help us sort through the differences. Meanwhile, I’ll say, ““Solid research by highly respected organizations, disputed by some, shows a correlation between gender diversity and results.”