Posted: 16 Jul 2014 10:00 AM PDT

by Soo Min Toh and Geoffrey Leonardelli | 1:00 PM July 16, 2014

The proportion of women in the leadership ranks of organizations remains low around the world but, from country to country, there is surprising divergence. According to recent statistics, boardroom representation by women ranges from about 1-2% in Japan, to 17% in the United States, and much higher in countries like Norway (~40%).

Our work indicates that this variation is partly a function of national differences in cultural tightness – that is, the degree to which a culture's norms are clear and likely to be enforced by authorities through the use of sanctions. In tighter cultures, individuals may be fined for chewing gum or spitting in the streets, but in looser ones, they may receive no more than a disapproving glance. Research shows Pakistan and Turkey are among the tightest countries, and Ukraine and New Zealand among the loosest. The U.S. is considered slightly loose; France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are increasingly tight.

Using nationally reported statistics from the World Bank (2011) , we found that nations with tighter cultures tended to have fewer female legislators, senior officials, and managers. For example, just 3% of leadership positions were held by women in Pakistan, but numbers stood at 38% in Ukraine.

To explain this, it helps to understand how leaders emerge in the first place. According to psychologists, people rise to the top when they are seen as matching a set of pre-existing beliefs that individuals hold about leadership. The problem is that, across cultures, this leader prototype has historically emphasized characteristics thought to be masculine rather than feminine. Some blame the circumstances of early human history, when leaders needed physical strength to help the group survive and protect it from outside threats. But the prototype persists. Often, even women candidates themselves don't see how they fit into the leadership mold.

Loosen commitment to such cultural norms, and beliefs are likely to change. However, tighter cultures have their advantages too: When authorities are willing to implement new practices, they are quickly adhered to. Consider gender egalitarianism measures, such as equal pay and encouragement to attain a higher education and participate in professional development . We've found that when nations commit to such practices, those with tighter cultures succeed in promoting women leaders, whereas those with looser cultures do not.

As a result, culture-specific recommendations are in order. Mandatory gender quotas – targeted numbers backed by sanctions for organizations that do not comply – can be an especially promising strategy in tight cultures. Take Norway, a relatively tight country that mandated 40% female representation on boards of publicly listed companies, backed by the threat of dissolution for those that didn't meet that goal. The result was a transformation: the proportion of women directors went from below 10% pre-quota to the 40% target.

Such strong policy is unlikely to be seriously considered or successfully adopted in looser societies. Authorities are more likely to put forth quotas with weak or no sanctions, and the citizenry maybe more resistant, preferring to let capable women rise through the ranks organically. Effecting change in these nations therefore depends on influencing leader prototype beliefs– portraying leadership role as compatible, attainable and desirable for women and increasing the exposure of successful female executives. Some evidence supports this.

The point is: when pursuing gender diversity, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Measures that work in some countries, might fail spectacularly in others. Cultural context matters.

Beyond the World Cup: How Soccer for Entrepreneurship Can <b>...</b>

Posted: 25 Jun 2014 07:05 AM PDT

The eyes of the world turn towards Brazil this week, as the soccer-mad country hosts the FIFA World Cup for the second time in its history. But what should be a triumphant moment for the country has been marred by corruption allegations, public protests, and worker strikes.

Much of this stems from the perception that the World Cup investments aren't being directed in a way that will result in long-term national development. Expectations have been high; the country's official World Cup website declares that the games will result in "a relevant legacy in infrastructure, creation of jobs, income, and promotion of the country's image on a global scale." Hosting the Cup, in other words, is expected to be a "game changer".

But while the event's true legacy is now very much up for debate, there's almost no question that, at least when it comes to job creation, the "World Cup effect" will be fleeting. Of the roughly 700,000 estimated jobs to be created as a result of the World Cup, fewer than half will be permanent, according to Brazil's special advisor to the national Ministry of Sports. Moreover, local employment expectations are often exaggerated from the start for major international events like the World Cup, with many companies extending the hours of existing employees rather than employing additional staff. In 2006, for instance, Germany predicted it would generate 100,000 new jobs as a World Cup host, but only ended up creating about half that number.

While Brazil's new infrastructure may be permanent (or so one hopes), what about the country's human infrastructure? How can the promise of the World Cup translate into long-term economic opportunity for the country's many unemployed and underemployed citizens?

The answer lies not necessarily with the World Cup, but with the power of the game it represents. With the right support from the public and private sector, soccer itself can be a powerful tool for promoting social and economic development.

It starts with soccer's unique status as a near-universal global interest, particularly in developing countries. The widespread enthusiasm for the sport has prompted numerous development programs to incorporate the game into their activities: from Grassroots Soccer, which teaches HIV/AIDS awareness in Africa, to Football 4 Peace International, which promotes reconciliation in conflict areas.

But soccer has also been applied effectively to the persistent problem of unemployment in many emerging markets. Programs like A Ganar, led by Partners of the Americas, use soccer games and lessons to help provide youth with marketable job skills. Not only does soccer provide a "hook" to create and maintain interest in the program, but the sport's emphasis on skills like teamwork, communication, and discipline are directly transferrable to the workplace.

The challenge is that while these programs have been effective in many cases, they often don't reach large enough numbers of people, and rely heavily on donor and government funding. But who is better at connecting with the public, and has more of an interest in employment (and in raising the skills of the workforce in a growing market), than the private sector?

A number of companies have developed innovative corporate citizenship initiatives in Brazil around the World Cup. For example, Coca-Cola launched an effort to collect plastic bottles around the country to be re-used in the seat linings of Maracanã Stadium, the venue for the final World Cup match. Additionally, Sony is sponsoring "pop-up stadiums" that provide children with a safe space to play soccer and to learn teamwork, leadership, and other sports-related life skills.

With the right strategy, corporations can pick up where the World Cup leaves off, taking on some of Brazil's fundamental development challenges that many citizens feel have been unaddressed by the World Cup preparations.

Our hope is that firms will use soccer to tackle the issue of youth unemployment head on, linking the game with entrepreneurship training, for example in programs to help Brazil's many unemployed and underemployed youth. There are many advantages for firms looking to support Soccer For Entrepreneurship (SFE) approach, starting with the fact that nearly every consumer is interested in the sport. This should make it easier to find partners and get visibility. For instance, there are numerous ways for companies to participate and benefit as well (donating jerseys with a corporate logo, sending their employees to share their real-life experiences in starting and running businesses, even investing in start-ups spawned by SFE graduates). Also, in an important way, a Soccer for Entrepreneurship approach combines social and business value, allowing the private sector to do what it does best while investing in the future of business.

Finally, soccer lends itself to replicability. We can see a network of SFE programs in a country like Brazil, where un- and underemployed youth come together in areas rich and poor, working with company support to learn about – and eventually start – their own business. And given the sport's global popularity, we can see firms supporting teams and leagues everywhere they operate. Soccer as a vector to teach about business around the world: it's a natural fit.

Less than a month from now, a new champion will be crowned in the soccer world. But when the lights dim on the last game of this year's World Cup, what will be left behind? Stadium construction did not change the dynamic for Brazil's unemployed youth—but with the right training and support, firms can help put the ball squarely in the hands (or at the feet) of young adults hoping to start their own businesses. With the right corporate engagement, soccer can help build employment opportunities in Brazil that begin—rather than end—with the World Cup.

Typepad on Pinterest: Charlotte Rains Dixon - Everything Typepad

Posted: 18 Jul 2014 09:26 AM PDT

Did you know Typepad is on Pinterest? It's true! We love pinning and repinning great content from Typepad blogs in every genre, and we're always looking for great, inspirational content. Are you on Pinterest? Drop your link in the comments, and don't forget to follow Typepad right here! If you're not on Pinterest yet, check it out - it's a great way to promote your blog and connect with others!

Want some inspiration? Check out our featured pinner, Charlotte Rains Dixon!

Charlotte Dixon is passionate about writing and wants to share this passion with her fellow writers. Whether experienced or an aspiring writer, this blog has helpful tips for all levels - from perfecting your craft, staying inspired, writing exercises and more.

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Ethical Blogwalking

Friday, 18 July 2014

Strategies to Promote Women Should Vary Across Cultures - Soo ...

Strategies to <b>Promote</b> Women Should Vary Across Cultures - Soo <b>...</b>

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