A report by the research firm Gartner on the challenges faced by CIOs in the industry has shown that the percentage of women taking the role has remained at around 14% since 2004. And the situation is worse in the EU than in the US and developing nations, with women occupying only 11% of technology leadership roles in Europe, compared to 18% in North America.
Ann Fisher, Founding Partner of Bailey Fisher Executive Search and Founder of the company’s Women 4 Technology network for female tech business leaders, was interviewed on this issue on the BBC World Service, discussing how Bailey Fisher is working to increase the number of women in leadership roles.
“The equality debate won’t disappear and the mounting publicity over recent years can only ensure that we are all aware of its importance. At Bailey Fisher Executive Search we practise what we preach, with 40% of our team comprising women holding senior positions and 30% of the team working mums with flexible hours.
It is well documented that companies with mixed boards and management teams out-perform those with single sex teams, whether male or female. “Men and women need to work together to a common vision and understand their individual roles. A board of directors must complement each other and be able to challenge each other positively. Women can engender collaboration and greater communication in a business. A woman is more likely to say ‘I don’t know’ and find the right person to ask.
“Research has shown that women have a proven track record of making more effective use of capital and being more creative in the use of available resources. It is reported that only 5% of institutional investors are women and only 4% of investment goes to female-led businesses, yet women account for 8% of profitable business exit.”
Recognising that women are under-represented in STEM careers, the government has called for businesses to bring more women into the fold and Vince Cable highlighted earlier this year the crucial impact of the headhunting community to introduce women to the boardroom. Lord Davies' report urges voluntary measures to increase women on boards on FTSE 350 companies to 25% by 2015, and quotas are on the cards for the future.
Ann believes that meritocracy rather than quotas is the answer “Women making up a quota are put in a very challenging position. How do they build credibility from day 1 and the ability to influence the business?”
“Surely we should have best practice where all appointments are based purely on merit. The best person for the role. The debate should be around how to encourage capable women to have self-belief and how to nurture these women throughout their careers.”
Encouragement, inspiration and the celebration of success are at the heart of Bailey Fisher’s Women 4 Technology network, which Ann founded in 2008, before the onslaught of discussion around women in leadership roles. “It is all about collaboration and inspiration. Our events allow women to receive encouragement for issues and challenges they are facing in their business and to inspire them to realise their own aspirations.
“It is only a recent phenomenon that discussions on gender inequality are taking place. The results cannot be immediate, it could take a further generation to effect change. There needs to be a shift in mindset and a change in business culture.”
Read the article in The Guardian
About Bailey Fisher Executive Search
Bailey Fisher Executive Search is an independent executive search firm specialising in the technology sector. Founded in 1998, the company operates internationally from offices in Cambridge and London. www.baileyfisher.com
About Women 4 Technology
Women 4 Technology is a business focused network for senior female decision makers in the technology sector, with quarterly networking events, including a flagship annual event at the House of Lords in the summer. Women 4 Technology is organised and hosted by Bailey Fisher Executive Search. Events are sponsored by Mills & Reeve, EY and Field House Associates.
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