Supporting Women's Career Advancement Challenges and Opportunities

This book documents the progress that managerial and professional women have made in advancing their careers, and the challenges and opportunities that remain. In the context of increasing numbers of women entering the workplace and indeed pursuing professional and managerial careers, it examines why so few women occupy the top positions in corporations. The editors maintain that whilst the benefits of employing women in executive roles is now being recognised, and efforts are being made to ensure career advancement, female employees do still face a struggle against male bias and the proverbial 'glass ceiling'. In order to build upon the progress that has been made, the book advocates more successful role models for women, an increased commitment from corporations to look at the opportunities for leadership that women present, and extended research into the strengths and failings of organisations in this regard. A broad range of issues are explored, including ongoing challenges of work-family integration, perceptions of gender, leadership and career development, the ethics of office romances, and women at mid-life. Best practices for supporting women's career advancement are then illustrated using the efforts of award wining companies as case studies. The cutting-edge contributions to this book provide an outstanding review of the literature. As such, it will be invaluable to both academics and practitioners with an interest in business, management and human resources.