Women Need Not Apply

International Management: women need not apply

Statement of Purpose

As Managing Director of Whirlway we have decided to employ the best candidate for the job, regardless of gender as the research we have carried out suggests the trends and patterns are reaching for equality. After all any member we put forward will have able to overcome the culture and relationship differences within Japanese management. We therefore will offer Megan the role.

This is based on the extensive research we have undergone in;

Women’s expatriate roles and the pattern and trends that are now occurring, and Japanese management and the role of women within.

Women as Expatriates

Women’s international careers are being influenced by two main issues: the glass ceiling and glass borders. (Mavin, 2000) These invisible barriers have impacted a great deal in the progression of women continuing their careers on an international scale. In the mid 1990's only 14% of the expatriate workforce comprise of women. (Windham/NFTC, 1997)

This low percentage it seems is down to a number of reasons. It was perceived that women were not willing to work abroad, (Adler, 1987) women would not want to create instability as they move their families. Employers also thought that these married women would be a threat as it was likely that they would neglect their career at the expense of her family. Izraeli and Zeira (1993). There was little hope to for single women as they were considered as vulnerable to harassment, and would not be able to cope with the stress and isolation of being in a foreign nation. (Izraeli et al., 1980)

It is also suggested that because men tend to hold the high management roles, which of course include hiring, some may not be prepared to 'gamble' such a career opportunity to women subordinates. Linehan et al. (2001)

However by the turn of the century there has been some considerable change, according to Windham/NFTC, 1997 18% of expatriates are now women, a steady increase form 1the 1990's! There is no reason to suggest this proportion decreasing or to suggest women won’t continue to conquer these international roles. Research by Chusmir and Frontczak only confirms the concept that women are just as interested in these posts as men are. Not only