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Analyzing The Rise of Women in Executive Leadership Positions

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Overview:

  • The rise of women in executive leadership has become a global symbol of modernity. 
  • Studies have shown women to be as capable leaders as men.
  • Female leadership brings about a welcomed change in terms of perspective. 
  • The different leadership styles women bring offer benefits to companies.

Despite the cultural biases and misogyny, women in executive leadership positions have still managed to be on the rise. Against the lack of opportunities women have compared to men in terms of leadership, research has seen a rise in women as C-suite executives. What becomes the cause of this is yet to be explored. Yet the shift in cultural landscapes and the ongoing fight for gender equality become the two greatest suspects. 

 

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Image Credits: Pexels

Women in Executive Leadership Roles: An Overview

Pre-existing biases against women in executive leadership positions have prevented some organizations from promoting them to higher-level roles. Socially, women are represented to be more communal and empathic, causing difficulty in securing executive leadership positions. These are, of course, gender stereotypes and traditional views that come into play. In truth, studies have found that women are more effective leaders than men in various aspects.

Considering the statistics and research that has recently come to light, it is not surprising to see a rise in female leadership. Over recent years, we have seen more women occupying C-suite corporate positions, board seats, and in parliament. This becomes a beacon of empowerment for women globally, a sign within society that we might be getting somewhere when it comes to women in executive leadership. 

Has There Been a Rise in Female Leadership?

With the fight for gender equality reaching a high, it seems very likely that there is a rising number of women in executive leadership roles.

 

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Image Credits: Unsplash

 

Both data-driven research and polls show that employees do in fact prefer as leaders in a corporate setting. This links back to the aforementioned statement that women are represented to be more communal. Having a leader who is good with interpersonal relationships makes employees feel heard and seen, which seems to be the sentiment behind the preference.

If you need more assurance of the existing rise of women in executive leadership, we take a brief glance at the tech industry. Women in tech have been known to be severely underrepresented throughout history. However, statistics show that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in female leadership in tech companies worldwide.

What Causes the Rise in Female Leadership?

Has the increasing number of women in leadership positions come suddenly, or overnight? The answer is certainly a no. But to be able to recognize the cause of the rise in female leadership, we actually go back to the world wars. 

During the world wars in the 20th Century, it became a necessity for women to take on the roles of men. This meant women entering the workforce, which lasted till the Post-war period. While some may think that it is a stretch to credit the shifting paradigm to the world wars, it really is a logical– and societal shift. Having women enter the workforce provided a change within socio-cultural views which traditionally saw women as homemakers. 

Jumping to the 21st Century, women are now viewed to be more capable and likable leaders. Along with contemporary activism and the fight for gender equality, women have the most potential to be seen as a symbol of modernity and future-oriented leadership.

Why the World Needs More Female Leaders

When you speak of modernity and the future, we can definitely project one with more female leaders in it. Not merely a thoughtless claim, since the logic and statistics work to prove the point that the world is in need of more women in executive leadership. 

 

woman-in-black-blazer-sitting-at-the-table
Image Credits: Unsplash

 

Women, a community that represents diversity within a board setting, would benefit companies in more ways than one. Other than having the right soft skills to build good interpersonal relationships as a leader, women also have the mindset of a customer. Women contribute largely to annual expenditure and therefore can take the perspective of the buyer in a business setting. 

In addition to that, women also hold the right soft skills to be able to lead a company. Being someone who is communicative, self-aware, and empathic is held in high regard for corporate leadership. Emotional intelligence becomes the best advantage for women when holding senior executive roles.

Conclusion

Throughout history, having women in executive leadership roles has been an uphill struggle against gender stereotypes and cultural biases. With more female leaders in the picture, we begin to see the advantages and benefits of having women as leaders. As we go into the future, the outlook remains hopeful for women to gain equal recognition for their contributions and capabilities as men do. 

FAQs:

Why Do We Need More Female Leaders? 

Other than diversifying the board’s opinion and perspective, female leaders are also regarded as emotionally intelligent. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in senior executive roles as communications become more effective and workplace relationships more meaningful.

What Are The Benefits of Having Women in Executive Leadership Roles?

Women in executive leadership roles are communicative, self-aware, and empathic having the right soft skills to build good interpersonal relationships as a leader. Women also contribute largely to annual expenditure and can provide the buyer’s perspective on business. 

How Should Companies Be More Supportive of Female Leadership?

By providing more opportunities for career development in women executives. There should also be measures taken to remove gender bias in the workplace to promote the idea of female leadership.

Why Is There a Rise of Women in Executive Leadership?

Studies have shown that women are capable and likable leaders. With the fight for gender equality, the rising trend of female leaders become a symbol of modernity.

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