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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2009

Duncan McTavish and Karen Miller

The purpose of this paper is to analyse gender representation in leadership and management in further and higher education organisations. It does this, through the lens of two…

3312

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse gender representation in leadership and management in further and higher education organisations. It does this, through the lens of two perspectives on bureaucratic representation, a “liberal democratic” perspective and an alternative view which states that bureaucracies are not necessarily gender blind or women friendly. The paper reviews the reform and managerial environments, vertical and horizontal gender patterns in the sectors; undertakes empirical research which surveys staff in six case study institutions seeking responses on job roles and activities, career motivators and inhibitors, supportiveness of line managers, perceptions of organisational leadership and culture with regard to gender equality and career advance.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data were used from a variety of sources. Primary data were based on all staff surveys using online software symbolic network analysis program in case study institutions with n=4,522, representing one quarter of the population.

Findings

Non‐executive levels of management in both sectors were highly gendered and unrepresentative of the population. Vertical segregation was found at executive level too, though less in colleges than universities. In higher education, horizontal gendering – in subject areas – and the emphasis on subject knowledge and background with the connected gender segregation of research activity, played a crucial role in unequal gender representation patterns. In colleges, while there was horizontal subject‐based segregation, the lesser importance of research/subject background in the career dynamic has created opportunities to de‐couple subject background and career opportunity. Part‐time working, especially in colleges, had mixed effects in gender career terms. The research showed that in universities women spent greater proportions of time in teaching and administration vis‐a‐vis research compared to men. Work life balance was not a career inhibitor for women in higher education but was for women in colleges. Some other key similarities and differences in perceptions between men and women in both sectors are outlined, perhaps the most striking of which was that women in both sectors, while agreeing that opportunities policies are equal and fair, felt that institutional leadership could do more to advance the careers of women; men did not.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind to compare and contrast college and university sectors, and makes a significant contribution to understanding of gender representation in organisations. While, there are similarities between the sectors, this research has highlighted major differences which have importance for research, policy and managerial practice. The paper, in its conclusion, aims to stimulate action by suggesting some practical initiatives, based on the research.

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2007

Duncan McTavish and Robert Pyper

A key aspect of the government's modernisation programme is to promote greater gender balance and diversity across public sector institutions and services. This includes…

715

Abstract

Purpose

A key aspect of the government's modernisation programme is to promote greater gender balance and diversity across public sector institutions and services. This includes appointments to and membership of public funded bodies. This paper reports on initial research on gender representation on boards in the Scottish enterprise (SE) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of membership by gender of SE and local enterprise company (LEC) boards; questionnaire survey of board members (n=66 – 43 male, 23 female); elite interviews.

Findings

Gender imbalance skewed in favour of males to an even greater extent than the public appointments sector as a whole. Women were more likely to approach board membership through formal means than by personal contact. Men and women had different views about personal contribution made to boards. Women surveyed tended to serve on more boards than did men. There were major procedural differences and inconsistencies between LECs and between LECs and SE regarding board recruitment.

Practical implications

Appointments procedures could be altered to ensure consistency, transparency and increased “gaze” across the enterprise network. Ways should be found to increase the female recruitment pool to counter the over stretching currently observed among existing female board members.

Originality/value

This research highlights the challenges faced by modernisation in this sector with respect to improving gender balance in representational terms. The next stage of the research will focus on substantive representation in the enterprise sector.

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

John Newton, Joanne Graham, Kevin McLoughlin, Alice Moore and Duncan McTavish

Describes the findings from the first year of an evaluation of change at a PMS+ site in West Cumbria. The study has used qualitative methods including non‐participant observation…

543

Abstract

Describes the findings from the first year of an evaluation of change at a PMS+ site in West Cumbria. The study has used qualitative methods including non‐participant observation at the site; face to face interviews with 28 clinical staff; group interviews with administrative and secretarial staff; and the collection of documents. Analysis of the data against a set of “outcome indicators” shows that significant progress has been made towards implementing the model of primary care delivery described in the pilot proposal. Multidisciplinary working is developing in the clinical action groups and the establishment of a primary care emergency unit has changed general practitioner workloads. The new organisation structure is not yet working wholly as anticipated but recently initiated changes are intended to strengthen the role and authority of the management board.

Details

Journal of Management in Medicine, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-9235

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Susan M. Ogden, Duncan McTavish and Lindsay McKean

Females now comprise just over half of the workforce in the UK financial services sector. This paper aims to report on the current position relating to factors that are…

4887

Abstract

Purpose

Females now comprise just over half of the workforce in the UK financial services sector. This paper aims to report on the current position relating to factors that are facilitating and inhibiting women from moving into middle and senior levels of management within the financial services sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative analysis of four case studies from a cross‐section of the financial services industry is presented, each compiled using interviews with male and female senior and middle managers, and gender‐defined focus groups usually of employees who are in the promotion pipeline.

Findings

Despite progress in the case study organisations, both men and women concur that females encounter more barriers to career progression in the industry than men and that these relate primarily to a long hours culture and networking. This leads some women to exclude themselves from working in certain parts of the industry, such as corporate banking. Further, this aspect of the industry culture tends to permeate into areas of the industry where these activities are less important for fostering client relationships.

Practical implications

The research implies that the industry needs to do more to make networking events and activities more gender neutral. Additionally, as more women move up the career pipeline, they should be encouraged to access networks that tap into their equivalent “female networks”.

Originality/value

The paper provides a current picture of managerial working life in the UK financial services industry and provides empirical evidence of the managerial work cultures within the sector.

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 8 February 2008

Sandra L. Fielden

413

Abstract

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 August 2007

Adelina Broadbridge

2117

Abstract

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1985

Since the first Volume of this Bibliography there has been an explosion of literature in all the main areas of business. The researcher and librarian have to be able to uncover…

16649

Abstract

Since the first Volume of this Bibliography there has been an explosion of literature in all the main areas of business. The researcher and librarian have to be able to uncover specific articles devoted to certain topics. This Bibliography is designed to help. Volume III, in addition to the annotated list of articles as the two previous volumes, contains further features to help the reader. Each entry within has been indexed according to the Fifth Edition of the SCIMP/SCAMP Thesaurus and thus provides a full subject index to facilitate rapid information retrieval. Each article has its own unique number and this is used in both the subject and author index. The first Volume of the Bibliography covered seven journals published by MCB University Press. This Volume now indexes 25 journals, indicating the greater depth, coverage and expansion of the subject areas concerned.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Myung‐Su Chae and John S. Hill

Global strategic marketing planning has become increasingly important with the advent of worldwide competition and the growing rapidity of change in the international marketplace…

7033

Abstract

Global strategic marketing planning has become increasingly important with the advent of worldwide competition and the growing rapidity of change in the international marketplace. In this article, research and commentaries from the strategic management and international marketing planning literatures are brought together in a model examining what factors influence global strategic marketing planning formality, and whether competitive and organizational benefits accrue from the process. Responses from 90 multinational corporations were subjected to a LISREL analysis. Corporate culture, supply chain elements, foreign regulations and competition were identified as key determinants of planning formality. Considerable non‐financial benefits also accrue as planning formality increases.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1982

Helen Howard

The major research objectives were to identify the differences among the searchers of users of online bibliographic systems who have different backgrounds of training and…

Abstract

The major research objectives were to identify the differences among the searchers of users of online bibliographic systems who have different backgrounds of training and experience, and the differences among the searches of persons with and without experience of the Eric database. A quasi‐experimental research design used forty‐two searchers separated into five experience levels who conducted two pre‐selected searches using the Dialog system and the Eric database. The results were measured with variables which related to the search outcome, i.e., cost effectiveness, precision, and recall and to the search process and errors.

Details

Online Review, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-314X

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2007

Todd Dewett, Nathan C. Whittier and Scott David Williams

The management literature has extensively discussed innovation diffusion as an essential part of corporate and economic competitiveness. However, most work centers on diffusion…

1145

Abstract

Purpose

The management literature has extensively discussed innovation diffusion as an essential part of corporate and economic competitiveness. However, most work centers on diffusion external to the organization. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for understanding post adoption innovation implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Research concerning diffusion inside the firm has focused almost exclusively on innovation creation as opposed to implementation. Although current definitions of innovation often make clear the internal/external distinction, the authors propose that it could be made more meaningful by further delineating the components of internal innovation diffusion. To that end, prominent innovation research is synthesized to explore innovation implementation.

Findings

A systematic review of the literature suggests three main types of influences on implementation: organizational, innovation, and human. Each represents unique challenges for innovation implementation.

Practical implications

The model presented here can serve as a useful organizing rubric for leaders attempting to facilitate change.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for greater understanding of internal innovation implementation.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 17 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

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