|
|
 |
Women Key to Remedying India’s Talent Shortage, New Study Shows
NEW YORK (November 18, 2010) - With a reported gross domestic product
(GDP) growth rate of approximately 7 percent and a projected talent gap
of more than 5 million by 2012, India's near-term economic health
depends on the immediate utilization of all of its talent. Yet very few
women in India, who are poised to fill this talent gap, have
successfully scaled the corporate ladder, according to
Leadership Gender Gap in India Inc.: Myths and Reality, a
groundbreaking new Catalyst study released today.
"Recognizing that women are essential to business can only benefit
corporate India," said
Ilene H. Lang, President & Chief Executive Officer, Catalyst. "India
Inc. has a unique opportunity to take advantage of a rich female talent
pool."
Women's workforce participation has increased substantially and has
even outpaced men's in recent years, but women are still far from
achieving parity in the corporations of India. Although women in India
outpace men in obtaining advanced degrees, research shows they often
remain stuck at their companies' junior- to middle-management levels.
Catalyst research reveals that, contrary to popular but mistaken
beliefs about women employees' level of ambition and commitment to their
careers, women's leadership aspirations are similar to those of their
male colleagues in that both want to advance to higher-level positions.
Women in India are far more likely to prioritize work over family
compared with their female counterparts in Europe and the United States.
Despite their ambition, drive, and priorities, women in India face
barriers that men do not. According to Catalyst research, among other
obstacles, female leaders in India are more likely to wait for an
opportunity to present itself than they are to seek one out, whereas
their male counterparts are more proactive. This tendency is often
mistaken for a lack of ambition on the part of women employees.
"Educated, talented, ambitious women can fill the leadership gap
created by the rapid growth of the Indian economy. Companies in India
can capitalize on this potential by attracting and advancing talented
women," said Ms. Lang.
This is the first report in Catalyst's Advancing Women in India
series, which focuses on building awareness and offering action steps
for developing and advancing women in corporate India.
ABOUT CATALYST
Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit
membership organization working globally with businesses and the
professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for
women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, and
Europe, and more than 400 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst
is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about
women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational
initiatives that promote women's advancement with the
Catalyst Award.
|
