Networks bridge the gender divide
by Rebecca Gill
Despite making up 55 per cent of university enrolments and being
among the top graduates, women hold fewer than nine per cent of senior
executive positions in Australia’s top companies.
Earlier in their careers, women climb rungs on the corporate ladder at the same rate as men. But somewhere along the way, they fall behind. What is happening?
Having conducted comprehensive research with women who have made it to executive ranks, senior lecturer in the School of Communication Dr Margaret Peters (pictured), is the person to ask.
According to Dr Peters, the key is to enter organisations that offer systematic support programs and to combine this with informal support networks.
"Networking and mentoring are crucial – mentors, especially, as they provide advice, experience and encouragement, but also critical feedback."
Women often miss the advantages of this kind of interpersonal contact, as most haven’t been socialised to network or seek out personal business contacts.
"Women often don’t want to be seen as career-hungry or overly competitive with their peers," Dr Peters says.
"There aren’t always official programs in place, and so one has to assiduously go out and find mentors. Business groups or networks are great for this, as are other forums such as meetings and breakfasts."
Dr Peters says many women are very willing to share their knowledge. Tapping into that willingness requires some courage to pick up the phone or send an email.
"It’s largely a case of if you don’t ask, you don’t get," she says.
"Men will often identify rejection as someone’s failure to recognise their own talent. Women, however, see it as impacting on their sense of self and prestige.
"A fear of rejection stops many women from following through."
While career advancement ultimately lies with the individual, organisations also have a responsibility to provide policies what support networking and mentoring.
Dr Peters says Generation Y faces unique challenges in finding informal support structures.
"Young people see themselves in organisations for short periods of time," she says "Often, relationships are going to be transitory. This presents an even more interesting situation for women, because they often feel that if they make a friend, they make one for life.
"But it’s okay to find someone useful and supportive in a certain way for a short period of time. Moving on should not make you feel like a user, or that it is unethical to do so."
Dr Peters believes that a lack of flexible working practices is often attributable to many women lagging behind men about three to four years into their careers.
"It is incredibly important for women to seek employment in organisations that already have a set of family friendly policies," she says.