SENIOR WOMEN MANAGERS WHO LEAVE EMPLOYMENT

Abstract

The phenomenon of senior women managers who leave their jobs with no plans for next steps in their careers is focused on. Their stories are seen as possible “test cases” of women′s progress into management. There are some suggestions, particularly from North America, that such cases are on the increase. Organisational cultures are still largely dominated by male values and norms of behaviour; their resilience to change helps explain the scarcity of women at senior levels. How cultures operate to marginalise and exclude women, particularly when they near culture‐shaping levels, is explored. Studies from North America on women leaving senior jobs are reviewed. These support the suggestion that issues of culture are involved. Finally, a research project in this area is outlined, and an invitation made for people to contribute.

Citation

Marshall, J. (1991), "SENIOR WOMEN MANAGERS WHO LEAVE EMPLOYMENT", Women in Management Review, Vol. 6 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649429110003174