Fairly recently, McKinsey and Company published a report entitled: “Women Matter: An Asian Perspective.”  I found the article enlightening.  For example, in China, 74% of women between the ages of 15-64 actively are engaged in the labor market, either working or looking for work. This is one of the highest percentages in countries around the world. Yet, women’s representation in positions of leadership and boards is very low, comparatively.

When Asians in executive leadership roles were asked why there was such a difference between Asian women in the general workplace and so few in leadership, they cited the following reasons (in order of importance) for the disparity:

• Double Burden Syndrome (women trying to balance work and home)
• Anytime, anywhere performance model (requiring availability and geographical mobility)
• Lack of pro-family, support services (e.g. childcare)
• Women’s reluctance to promote themselves
• Women’s tendency to have lower ambitions than men
• Absence of female role models
• Women’s tendency to network less than men
• Women deciding to opt out of the workforce

Many of these are areas of concern for Ascend Int’l as well. Our collegiate and mentoring programs are instituting measures to help women (and men) succeed in the workplace. McKinsey cited the following for “best practice” initiatives that are seemingly helping address the problems identified here:

1. Management Commitment– where management sets high standards for female involvement at all levels of the company, women’s roles and influence increase.
2. Women’s Development Programs– equipping women with the skills and networks they need.
3. A Set of Enablers– a set of indicators that identify inequalities and track improvements.

Whether you are an Asian Woman seeking to maximize your own potential or a forward looking male who wants to hire and retain the best talent, male or female, this article may prove helpful.  A condensed version of the article, with China in mind, can be found at:

http://www.mckinseychina.com/2012/07/02/women-matter-an-asian-perspective/