Should there be Quotas for women on Boards??
The European Union is pushing a proposal which would require
company boards to be made up of at least 40 per cent women. It appears agreeing with the proposal has
stirred a very diverse range of reactions.
Positive discrimination is illegal in the UK so assuming the
quota goes ahead; there will have to be a review of British law. The debate
seems to be very intense, with Britain leading the countries that regard the
proposed rule as counterproductive and unworkable. Should the proposal go ahead it would undoubtedly spark conflict in the work place as men look on as they watch their female colleague receive the promotion he's worked years to achieve, simply because of her gender.
A poll conducted by Management Today asked 317 individuals
‘Are you in favor of the 40% minimum quota for women on boards?’ Of those who
responded, 66% said they were not in favor of the quota whilst the remaining
third (34%), said that they would prefer to see a quota in place. This poll surely speaks for itself? I myself would like to think that, as a women, I am given a position based on my abilities, skills and experience and not just to fill a space or to meet a quota.
Arguments in favor of this quota include the need for more
effective gender equality and quotas are potentially the next logical step in
closing the gender gap. Implementing quotas would ensure that change actually
happens. But can an initiative which equips women for board positions
be a positive thing? The objective for promoting more women to the boardroom
should be more than a ‘tick the box’ exercise in demonstrating diversity.
Surely a board with diversity provides a better understanding of the
organisations customers and teams, avoids so called ‘group think’ and
encourages a wider scope of creative thought.
No comments:
Post a Comment