Women's Work, Men's Cultures
Overcoming Resistance and Changing Organizational Cultures
Even when there is commitment from the leadership and management, equality and
diversity policies often do not translate into a sustained increase in women at senior
levels of the organisation. This book explains why and sets out what is needed to effect
real change.
The success of diversity programmes is dependent on organisational culture change. However
the concept of culture is rarely defined, let alone systematically analysed to show its
impact on gender. Dr Rutherford brings a sophisticated approach to the diversity
discourse, using sociological and psychoanalytical theory to demonstrate the persistence
of cultures which marginalise and exclude women in organisational life.
The book makes clear links between what goes on in society and what goes on in
organisations. Why do women still suffer from a lack of confidence and require tailored
leadership programmes when they have been educated in the same way as men? Acknowledging
and understanding this wider context can help organisations and their members move forward
in their quest for more inclusive cultures.
The book is not pessimistic, it is realistic. There has been a huge increase in women in
the workforce over the past forty years. However for every advance there are new obstacles
to overcome. The current vogue for explaining away women's lack of power in organisations
through "differences" or 'choice' fails women, and is a strong example of the
backlash that exists against the recent inroads women have made in public lif
Table of Contents
Context
Introduction
Women in Society
Belonging - Meanings of Organizational Culture
The Gender Agenda
Part I - Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Inclusion – What's in a Word?
Part II - The Business Case - Refocused, Renewed, Repeated?
Part III - Gender Awareness in Organizations
Style Matters
The public/private divide
Are you going home already? - The Long Hours Culture
Let's have a drink! - Informal networking and socialising
Sex in the office
Leaders and Men
On the Road to Change
272 pages, Hardcover
