Female Managers in Konsum Gävleborg    

Abstract:

Aim:      Encouraging more women to reach the top in an organization is becoming increasing crucial in today’s society. This is why we selected this subject for our bachelor study and we think it can be interesting for the companies today to become more aware of the importance of mixed gender. The purpose of this study is to provide a new insight into the situation female face to climb the career ladder.

 This study answers the following questions:

1. What is the situation the female face to reach the top?

2. What is the female’s contribution in management area?

Methods:  This study is conducted by utilizing several existing literatures and periodical articles on the topic of leadership and Gender perspective. We collect data from Konsum Gavleborg by questionnaires and interviews. Subsequently, we use the both of inductive and deductive method to analyze the difference and similarities between empirical findings and theory.

Results:   Our results show there are following barriers that stop women reaching the top position, the glass ceiling, the self-confidence and the family. Meanwhile, we also find out female value and gender diversity will be the great opportunities to promote more women climb a higher ladder in the future.

Suggestions for future research:

This study emphasizes a sensitive and significant subject and relevant suggestions have offered for a future study. We suggest the further research to conduct a comparison between different organization and region about women in management. In addition, the male viewpoint should be considered to build a more comprehensive research.

Theoretical contribution:

Our study about Konsum Gavleborg contributes with knowledge showing that the glass ceiling, lacking of self-confidence and undertaking family responsibility are the primary barriers for women on their way to reach the top position. It also shows that women managers are good in communication, nurturance and sensitivity, which are the real female leadership values. Moreover, the study suggests that focusing on balanced/ mixed group of female and male managers is required to take action for of gender diversity. Because, mixed group means, more chances to learn from each other, and maximum benefit for organizations.