Women in Business

January 2014 - Texas A&M

 

 

As part of the University Honors requirement, one must wrtie an essay on a challenge plaguing their future workplace. Below are some of my thoughts on some of the current issues women in business face.

 

Women in the workplace have long been a topic of conversation in American politics. During the 70’s, the nation saw bra burnings and feminism take up the forefront of the civil rights movements, and in 2012 we watched Mitt Romney and President Obama debate the pros and cons of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – a piece of legislation put into place to right the wrongs of the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Supreme Court decision. Still, even with the steps taken by a piece of legislation meant to even the playing field and allow women the space to seek equal opportunity, there are still many stereotypes at work that are making it harder for women to “shatter the glass ceiling” in a professional sense. The novel, Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg has recently taken the literary world by storm for its insight and reflection on some of the obstacles women are up against in the workplace. The literary success of this book can be attributed to the fact that it addresses an issue that is not often discussed in mainstream media, or in any media for that matter. Women, now more than ever, are chasing high-powered careers and professional leadership opportunities. For the first time, companies have to change their thinking to incorporate the needs of their female CEO’s – things like pregnancy parking and women’s restrooms. This newer thinking comes after the hard work of women who have, quite simply, worked hard their entire life to get to the top. This hard work clearly has a ripple effect throughout the business and political world.

 

Much of the advice that comes from pro-women blogs and books is centered around women learning how to use their unique talents to lead well. Research recently proved that women are more successful in the workplace when they smile and act nicely and compassionately towards others. This behavior is a reflection of the nurturing nature typically associated with women. Essentially, this advice says that it is beneficial to play to a stereotype. On the other hand, some writers and commentators simply suggest working harder. Through tenacious strides in the workplace, and far-reaching networks, these writers offer that the best way to get ahead is to outshine competitors. Both of these ideologies have been put to the test over the years, and both have seen successful results. However, one thing the two sides do agree on is that the best way to achieve more equal opportunity and equal success rates in the workplace is to place more women in leadership positions. Not only does this prove that women can get to the top, but it allows them to make way for the women coming after them. In order to effectively deal with this issue, it is important to understand it. Reading books like Sandberg’s Lean In is a step in the right direction of knowing how to approach leadership roles in business and politics as a woman, but it is also equally important to have experience in the workplace. Applying for internships with women that are leaders in their field and studying their work ethic, as well as learning from the decisions and challenges women have already faced in the professional world, will give better insight to their successes.