WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLE VERY LESS

There are not enough women in top positions in Indian companies even though nearly 90 per cent of women desire to take up leadership roles, says a survey. According to Randstad India's recent Workmonitor survey, 76 per cent of the survey respondents felt there are not enough women in top positions in their organisations, even as 89 per cent of women desire to take up leadership roles. In India, 80 per cent of respondents said there are more men than women in leadership positions. Moreover, the percentage of respondents in India who felt there are not enough women in top positions (76 per cent) is higher than in the rest of the world.
Commenting on the findings, Randstad India MD and CEO E Balaji said: "Gender diversity is a business imperative and there are proven studies to show that it results in good governance and growth of the company and its people."
Moreover, 91 per cent of Indian employees have indicated high leadership aspirations and a very narrow gap exists between leadership aspirations of men (92 per cent)and women (89 per cent). The survey further noted that 75 per cent of Indian workforce believe in quota to ensure companies promote more women to leadership positions, but experts have a different opinion.
"It is interesting to note that Indian employees have indicated a preference for quota to promote women to leadership positions. However, we need to understand that a quota may trigger the initiative, but it may not help in building a strong talent pool or may not be sustainable," Balaji said. Companies should have a progressive HR policy and create a conducive environment and policies for women to reach leadership positions, he added.