Research has shown the career path of women and men in the context of leadership to differ. A significantly larger proportion of men in business move on to the higher ranks in the company, and women’s careers seem to plateau around middle management.
Men are more likely to be CEOs in fields associated with science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
Women are more often employed in general business, elementary and secondary education, and health care or are homemakers.
In a recent study, roughly 90% of males worked full time compared to 65% of females.
Why do the careers of women plateau at middle management?
Differing understanding of success:
Men will often define success as cultivating high-impact careers that require 50 or more hours per week, while women associate success to family and community investment.
Differing time allocation:
Asked about their willingness to work more hours if given the opportunity to pursue their ideal career, nearly 100% of men in a survey expressed willingness to devote 40 or more hours per week to their ideal job, as compared to just 70% of women.
Differing priorities:
Men valued full-time work, making an impact and earning a high income. Women as a group valued part-time work more often, as well as community, family involvement, time for close relationships and community service.
Differing investments to family:
Men focus more on making tangible contributions, while women more highly prioritise investing their time and emotional energy.
Differing abilities to play politics:
Evidence suggests that women may not use political tactics to the same degree, or in the same manner, as men - a possible explanation for the lack of women in senior management roles.
BUT
These differences are now seen as desirable in modern businesses, giving women an advantage in becoming leaders.
The differences between male and female career paths:
Explained
14