Men and women in leadership positions: What does the IU study have to say
Men work in leadership positions almost twice as often as women. Why is this the case? Is it due to personal decisions or does it stem from a lack of equal opportunities within the German labour market? The IU study "Work and career. Equal opportunities for all?" takes a closer look at work, career and leadership responsibilities across genders.*
For Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig, it is clear: "Equality in the workplace is worthwhile. It has been scientifically proven that mixed teams of men and women are more successful than teams of all one gender." All expert comments, facts and figures on workplace parity can be found here.
View the study in PDF*Although gender requires more than a binary classification into female and male, the data currently available for such an analysis is limited. In general, the numbers are too small to allow a statistically significant breakdown by additional variables. Therefore, for the purposes of this study, gender is considered in a binary system.
Equality in the workplace: the facts
of the men surveyed are in a management position. Of the women surveyed, only 17.6 % work in a management position.
of women with management responsibility work part-time (35 hours or less). The rate for men in comparison: 20.0 per cent.
of women in a management position have a female supervisor. For men, the rate is 15.0 per cent.
Career and family? Structures are a decisive factor
„For leadership roles, skill and motivation are what matter. But it is also important for there to be structures that allow a leadership role to be effectively exercised. Mothers, but also fathers, are often faced with the challenge of balancing their work with their family responsibilities. Employers have an obligation: a change in culture towards real flexibility in working hours and working locations promotes equal opportunities and promotion prospects.”
Prof. Dr Malte Martensen
MBA Programme Director and Professor of Human Resources Management and Organisations at IU International University of Applied Sciences
What is important in the job?
The study reveals that women and men agree on many things. For example, which aspects are important in the job and which reasons speak for leadership responsibility. The differences between the genders are mentioned in the details. For instance, when it comes to why women do not currently work in a leadership position.
Similar things are important to women and men at work
For women and men, earning potential, job security and team spirit at work are particularly important.
It is striking that women tend to prioritise soft factors like team spirit and workplace recognition slightly more often (see study as PDF).
*Excerpts of answers to the question: „What is fundamentally important to you in a job?"
Source: IU study "Work and career. Equal opportunities for all?"
Reasons for leadership position: salary and personal development
For both men and women, the main reasons why respondents want to (re)enter a management position are: higher salary and personal development.
*Excerpts of answers to the question: „Why do you want (to return to) a leadership role?“ (Only respondents who do not currently have managerial responsibilities, but would like to have a leadership role in future.)
Source: IU study "Work and career. Equal opportunities for all?"
Kids instead of a career? This applies more often to women than to men
A company or job change is often responsible for the fact that the men and women surveyed are currently no longer in a leadership position. The gender disparity is greatest when it comes to parenthood and children: 11.4 percent of the women name these as reasons why they no longer have management responsibility. For men, it is only 3.2 per cent.
More facts and figures on the compatibility of career and family can be found in the second part of the IU study: "Kids and career. Can everyone have both?"
*Excerpts of answers to the question: „Why do you not currently have managerial responsibilities?“ (Only respondents who do not currently have managerial responsibilities, but were in a leadership role in the past.)
Source: IU study "Work and career. Equal opportunities for all?"
Who makes a career? Leadership skills count
„According to the IU study, far more men work full time in leadership roles as women. The results also show that women more commonly lead women. But in the end, gender is irrelevant. What is crucial is having leadership skills, such being able to inspire and motivate employees. And it should be possible to work flexibly, for both men and women.”
Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig
Chancellor of IU International University of Applied Sciences and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The whole study on equality in the workplace
Parity in the workplace in Germany: The complete study results and expert opinions - read them now in the IU study.
View the study in PDFMore info on the IU Study
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