A record number of women are escaping the male dominated work place and branching out on their own, according to new research.
A report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development finds organisations are driving talent away and suggests that many capable women are choosing to build a business of their own.
Male-dominated rules normally associated with ‘being at the top’ can limit women entering the boardroom and help them make the decision to go it alone.
One interviewee from the report said, “I see the trappings of higher status, more money or a bigger car as geared towards a male perspective of success.”
The high-potential women who left corporate life to set up on their organisations stated that the political and ‘clubby’ atmosphere of the boardroom frustrated their efforts.
Dianah Worman, CIPD Diversity Adviser says, “Whilst work practices have drastically changed over the years, some board members appear to be appear to be stuck in the nineteenth century.
“They must change their image, of an old boys club, and start representing the present workforce.”
The study, named ‘A bird’s eye view,’ looks at three types of career woman and the factors which decide whether or not they enter the boardroom or choose to set up their own business:
– those who have stayed within the corporate life and have achieved senior roles.
These women fall into two categories: those who are dedicated to making a difference in their organisation and those who are dissatisfied with what top jobs offer.
– those who have struck out alone, either working on their own, or setting up businesses on their own terms.
These women tend to work at least as long hours and as hard as n corporate life, but feel that the way they manage their work-life balance brings them greater satisfaction than if they’d stayed and pursued a board level career.
– talented women who have chosen not to work towards traditional career advancement, but have put their energy into other areas. These women put other priorities ahead of work, as work is not engaging or rewarding enough to compete with other elements in their lives.
