A511.8.3_SeabourBeau

Now, reflect upon and analyze what Rosabeth Moss Kanter has to say and how that does or does not coincide with what Yukl says about gender-based discrimination. Do you agree? Why or why not.

This week brought about some interesting points of discussion and examination for me. Mrs. Kanter discussed some things that I think are important to note. First, she mentions that there is a breakdown in the ability to move up any corporate ladder when there is always a change that a woman might take time and leave for her family. She mentioned that there is some perspective issues that do not allow women the fair chance to see promotions or pay increases. She goes onto discuss the fact that, culturally, we may see a shift in that perspective once men decide that they too, want to become more family driven and leisurely. Do to those facts and perceptions, currently there is some breakdown in the ability of women to get as high of a position stature in high risk jobs. An article I reviewed states that "The working parent who laments the degeneration of society while complaining that younger employees “lack work ethic” fails to understand this: Societal problems, which include all the problems found within our organizations, are rooted in the family" (Hyatt, 2014). This is the shift, I believe that she was making hints toward. This may be happening sooner than we can think. Second, she mentioned early on that there is this informal, behind the scenes discussion that takes place when someone or a company is looking to move someone into a leadership role. I think the old saying "it's not what you know, it's who you know" applies here. Almost every leader I've seen promoted within my current company has been part of the "good ol boys" club. Everyone is always talking about how they were stationed with this guy or how they know such and such. I think that the behind the scenes meetings she's talking about are the number one way that companies promote from within. Unless there is some need to look outside the company, why would they? The best way to find out about who the company has available is to ask around. People talk and unfortunately for some, they seal their fate to early. This decision could also be formed do to social similiarities too. I see and saw this too. If people can relate to you and then share things in common, how much easier is it for you to work with them?

This week was interesting to better understand the challenges that people, especially women face in the work environment and more importantly in the upper leadership roles. Transparently, if we are able to look past the family settings and look past the social stature that money brings with it, we may, like Rosabeth says, be able to select the best leaders regardless of gender or any other defining category they may be in.







Hyatt, M. (2014, January 1). How Leadership at Home Affects the Rest of Life. Michael Hyatt. Retrieved July 24, 2014, from http://michaelhyatt.com/how-leadership-at-home-affects-the-rest-of-life.html