Nikki Van Der Gaag: The Percentage Of Women In Leadership

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Abstract

This paper will examine how education factors affect women in leadership. It is important as a supervisor that you obtain education that meets the requirements of an effective leader. Also, having a leadership style that meets the needs of your employees of different cultures within the organization is most beneficial in today’s world. Across the globe women still are behind men in education, communication and leadership. This remains a growing issue for female leaders in the global business world. The question is what factors are contributing to the low percentage of women in leadership positions today.

Women and the Effects of Education & Communication on Leadership
This report will examine factors effecting women’s …show more content…

Furthermore, the “glass ceiling” has hindered women’s access to leadership positions in private companies. This is especially notable in the largest corporations, which remain male dominated. Of the 500 largest corporations in the US, only 23 have a female chief executive officer. That is just 4.6%. (Van der Gaag, N., 2014). The New York Times published an article entitled, “Executive Women, Finding (and Owning) Their Voice,” which interviewed four chief executives who described the importance of taking stands, and making sure they’re heard. Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., CEO of the Y.W.C.A USA states, “It’s important for women to know that having a voice really means having a track record of success and accomplishments, so that people want to listen to what you have to say, because you’re saying something of value. So use your voice, but use it strategically” (Bryant, A., …show more content…

Deborah Tannen, author of “You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation,” examined the differences between the communication styles of men and women and how it goes far beyond mere socialization and history. She finds that is appears to be inherent in the genetic makeup of each sex. The gender differences were noticed after reviewing a videotape from another researcher who requested two best friends of the opposite sex to engage in a conversation together. The females in all age groups would naturally face one another and begin an in-depth conversation, whereas the male participants found it difficult to locate a catchy topic. According to Tannen’s review, “For males conversation is the way to negotiate status in the group and keep people from pushing you around. Females, however, used conversation to negotiate closeness and intimacy, with talk being the essence of intimacy, so being best friends meant sitting and