Reflections on “Locks and keys to the boardroom”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the author's earlier paper published in Gender in Management: An International Journal (formerly Women in Management Review) in 2003 titled “Locks and keys to the boardroom”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is examined in the context of current research and writing on women on boards.

Findings

The 2003 paper built on the authors' previous research and writing and informed their current research activities. In addition, the 2003 paper reflected an emerging interest in women on boards and the factors leading to their success.

Practical implications

The paper finds that the organisation featured in the original article did not turn out to be a tipping point in terms of women appointed to directors. Very little progress has taken place in the past eight years in terms of numbers of women on top boards, but the Davies report (2011) should prompt change.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that a great deal of research has developed since 2003 studying women on boards.

Citation

Vinnicombe, S. (2011), "Reflections on “Locks and keys to the boardroom”", Gender in Management, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 196-199. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542411111130954