Asian women managers: participation, barriers and future prospects

Abstract

The economies of Asia have undergone a significant transformation over the past five decades as they moved from being primarily agrarian societies to more modern industrial states. What have these changes meant for women and, in particular, their position and progress in management? This contribution brings together the findings of the eight case studies presented in this collection. Using an explanatory model that incorporates individual, organizational and societal level analysis, women were found to be under-represented in management and faced considerable barriers in gaining management positions. Organizational factors underpinned many of these barriers but a range of cultural attributes contributed to this discrimination. Legislative changes were seen as one avenue to improve women’s careers as were women’s increased education levels, the changing approaches to human resource management, and a growing awareness of the inefficiencies and sub-optimal levels of organizational performance created by gender discrimination. This contribution concludes, however, that until there are major shifts in the role perceptions of women by individuals, organizations and society it is likely that change will occur only gradually and women will remain disadvantaged and under-represented in management