Womenomics: gender diversity and the rise of female-driven growth potential

Business leaders and politicians are increasingly focusing on the subject because diversity creates better results, more growth and stronger innovation, according to the author and a range of high-profile contributors to the book.

Its primary intended readership is international business leaders and organisations. It contains research, contributions and cases from companies such as DeBeers, BMW, Danske Bank, BIG and McKinsey & Company, which together offer global perspectives on gender diversity and female-driven business growth.

In addition. the book contains a contribution from Financial Times | IE Business School Corporate Learning Alliance. The section’s authors, Esther Lopez and Virginia Figuero, whose contribution is entitled ‘The Life Phases of a Professional Woman’, looks at how organisations need to change to promote a more balanced representation of women and men.

‘One major reason for the lack of progress is that meaningful roles and flexibility have not been properly defined,’ say Esther Lopez and Virginia Figuero. ‘As professionals, women need to be empowered and motivated. This requires a cultural change in corporations, which could start by defining more clearly what is meant by flexible working. That does not always mean part-time work to accommodate the demands of early motherhood. It could mean redefining jobs around targets, deliverables and/or projects instead of working hours.’

One major reason for the lack of progress is that meaningful roles and flexibility have not been properly defined.

ESTHER LOPEZ AND VIRGINIA FIGUERO

FT | IE CORPORATE LEARNING ALLIANCE

The title corresponds with the Womenomics Nordic Business Conference, masterminded by the book’s author Tine Arentsen Willumsen and first held in 2013.

‘Much has happened in five years, and the importance of diversity for growth is well documented with international research,’ says Tine. ‘Hence decision-makers can refer to the cases and strategic recommendations in the book to explore the new growth potential and attract the entire talent pool.

‘My wish is to contribute to the global debate on diversity from a broad perspective. The book highlights how female top management and women’s increasing economic independence affect business growth and society.’