UniSA research shows that gender targets do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity in senior roles
In Australia, women make up only 19 per cent of CEOs, and less than a third of key management positions (32 per cent). In the public sector, women represent 60 per cent of the workforce, yet hold less than half of the most senior roles.
Lead UniSA researcher, Dr Jill Gould, says that it will take far more than just having gender targets to boost women’s equity in senior roles.
“Our UniSA Research shows that if we boost the number of women at executive levels, we increase the number of women in the ‘executive feeder’ levels below. We often refer to this as the ‘trickle-down effect’.”
Dr Gould says that while gender targets may be well-intended, without the right combination of evidence-based practices that can support a ‘trickle-down effect’ and, importantly, a Chief Executive who can visibly drive change, targets may be ignored or ineffectively implemented.
“The Chief Executive must be on board to champion gender targets,” Dr Gould says. “Gender parity also relies on having the right practices in place – at least two women on shortlists helps increase female representation in senior roles, and leadership training supports progress through organisations. Some of these important practices were not in place in the departments where targets were not working.”
“We’re confident that if the right combination of practices is adopted, we’ll start to see an impact in gender equity in senior roles.”
Professor Sardeshmukh, Researcher, UniSA.
UniSA researcher Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh highlights the impact that this research will have.
“Public sectors can use these findings and recommendations to improve their policy and practices regarding gender equity.
“We’re confident that if the right combination of practices is adopted, we’ll start to see an impact in gender equity in senior roles.”
UniSA researcher Professor Carol Kulik says the government’s gender targets are drawing a long bow when it comes to improving women’s representation in senior roles.
“There’s no doubt that Australia is making progress on many aspects of gender equality, but unless the public service refines its goals and delivers dedicated leadership and evidence-based supports, the glass ceiling will continue to be as strong as ever,” Prof Kulik says.
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