Why More Women in the Board Room Is Essential to Innovation

This article questions why there is a lack of women board members in many companies and why women are essential for a company’s success.  First, it pointed out that women make up more than half of the workforce.  So to exclude women from the board can mean that the company may not be seen as a place that welcomes women at all. In turn, that has a direct effect on the company's competitiveness.  Second, women are decision makers. Women have a perspective that can alter the development of a product or a service.  Put women in executive roles and board positions and you can see how their perspectives may open new markets.  Lastly, a woman joining a board of directors can have an effect on the men. They will be less likely to make sexist remarks and jokes.  Shirley M. Hufstedler, an experienced corporate board member, observed that female board members usually understand, better than men, how to appeal to women as consumers and as employees.  Also, because women are acculturated differently from men, they tend to listen more and see problems and solutions differently from their male colleagues.  She feels in many ways this expands and enhances board discussion and deliberation. 

Perhaps all of this is due to the fact that women tend to be more transformational leaders than men are.  They are very attentive to others needs and they can motivate others to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the team or organization.  This is a very effective form of leadership and can yield great outcomes.  Most women have strong ideals and are very competent, and those are important qualities to have as a transformational leader.

The bottom line of this article is that companies with more women in executive positions tend to have higher profits.  In fact, a study done by Roy Adler showed that "the companies with the highest percentages of female executives delivered earnings far in excess of the median for other large firms in their industries."  In your opinion, do you feel that more women in the board room can lead to better innovation and success for a company?

Posted by: Amanda Goetz

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2011/03/31/31readwriteweb-why-more-women-in-the-board-room-is-essenti-91468.html

McKinsey: Improve Training for Female Execs

                A recent report on women in leadership was published in the latest edition of McKinsey Quarterly stating that insufficient training and inattentive career development are the major contributors to the lack of female executives worldwide.  One interesting fact this article stated was that only 11 Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs, down from 15 in 2010. 

McKinsey suggests that women would benefit from more targeted leadership training and gain as much hands-on experience as possible for gaining a top level management position.  Robust official training programs will help funnel female employees into senior roles and encourage more to follow in their path.  They can also help place women on management tracks early. 

If organizations do implement a training program, it may also help promote leadership effectiveness and reduce the leadership gap.  Organizations should look into a variety of factors to help support the rise of female leaders on an individual, interpersonal, societal, and organizational level.

Unfortunately women tend to have a mid-career burn out from outside pressures like motherhood, the article stated.  This is an example of a human capital difference that women face often according to the leadership labyrinth.  The report states that without these support systems in place, "barriers become insurmountable" for working mothers and companies can forfeit some of their best talent.   Do you think that putting in training programs will help women develop and get over the next hurdle? 

Posted by: Amanda Goetz

http://bx.businessweek.com/women-in-leadership/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fc.moreover.com%2Fclick%2Fhere.pl%3Fr4478303664%26f%3D9791

Shattering the glass ceiling: Six ‘postwomen’ felicitated for exceptional services

As I came across this article and began to read more into it, I started to learn that in many other parts of the world women attain very few positions in the postal business.  India is one part of the world where postal positions are held by men, but India is also trying to shatter the glass ceiling by honoring those few women who serve their communities. This article talks about six women employees at a post office who hold a few different positions in the postal area. These women were honored last month during the International Women’s Day by Mayor Shraddha Jadhav. During this ceremony Mayor Shraddha was able to thank and honor the six women for providing such an excellent service in the positions that they hold.

            The article also talks about how a post woman (Akansha Ashok Redij), one of the six women honored during this ceremony, went through a very harsh time before the community got to know her. For example, when she first started to work for the post office and delivering mail to the community she was assigned, many used to be rude and shut the door on her face because their first thought was of a saleswoman. Akansha would have to ring the bell twice and inform the tenants that she was a post woman and she had mail for them. She also stated that it did not take long before her assigned community got used to and acknowledge that women can also deliver mail just as well as men do. Akansha also states that since her community got used to her delivering their mail, they have become nicer and thank her and appreciate what she does. For example, one day she received a thankful letter from a male receiver whose mail had been missing and Akansha was able to find it and deliver it. The receiver’s letter showed her how much respect she had gained from the receiver.

            Another worker also says that she has gained respect from her community and that it is that respect that keeps them working hard in a job that, traditionally, was held by men. Sandhya Mohan Sana, states that many community members offer her water and tea when she delivers their mail and shows her respect by calling her “post madam” and telling her how much they appreciate her job as a post woman. I believe these community members are encouraging these women to keep doing what they are doing, which it was believed to occur less for women than men. Also, I believe the community is doing the right thing by thanking and honoring these hard working post women because it is not easy to show the community that women can also do the same job as men can in these kinds of countries were males hold this jobs. I think these six females are helping India shattering the glass ceiling in the postal business by gaining the respect from their communities and decreasing the stereotypes in this business. Do you think that the community did the right thing by honoring these six women? Do you think in the future more countries such as India will still have a low number of post women?

To read more go to: http://www.afternoondc.in/city-news/shattering-the-glass-ceiling/article_19871

Posted by: Hugo Sanchez

Lawsuit against Wal-Mart could propel women’s rights in the work force

This article is talking about International Woman’s Day, which is claimed to be a commemoration of how far women have come in our male dominated world.  It also is a reminder for women that they still have a long way to go.  It stated how in the U.S.  Women have broken through the glass ceiling in some ways.  It talks about how women can work where ever they want.  It also talks about how much more independent women are allowed to be, they are not looked frowned upon if they are a single mom or don’t have a husband.  Many other countries celebrate these same rights with the Americans, but there are other places around the world that are still fighting for these rights.  It stated that in America women take for granted what women in other countries still don’t have.

It later goes on to talk about how in America there are still some places that females still struggle.  There has been an ongoing investigation and legal issues as female employees from many Wal-Marts have been coming out with claims that Wal-Mart has been discriminating against them because of gender.  They claim that they are being looked over for pay raises and promotions.   I feel that one reason women may be looked over in pay raises is that they may not always be as aggressive as the men in asking for them. Women are trying to make this situation a class-action lawsuit.  I think that it is great that these women are sticking up for themselves, it states in the book and it is almost a stereo type that women are less likely to self promote and negotiate then men.  So I think it is good that these women are using their rights and freedom to make a stand.  Wal-Mart claims that they have had anti- discriminatory programs in place for a long time and that this is not true.  The article says that this lawsuit could potentially join the ranks of other landmark gender equality, a shot heard around the world.  In other words if this case can do it, pull off suing one of the largest businesses in the nation so can other groups such as racial minorities.  I do think that this is very true.  If these women can pull this off they are taking a huge step to over come the glass ceiling.  I do however feel that this one lawsuit will not likely have that huge of an effect on America.  I think that Wal-mart has so much money it will hardly put a ding in them and everything will stay the same.  Sure the women may get some money but that’s all.  What do you think?  Do you think that if these women win this Wal-mart law suit, it could make a difference for race and gender everywhere in the US?  Do you think it will be over passed and things will remain the same?  I think if women stand up for themselves and put themselves out there they will be able to succeed just as well as any male.  If she doesn’t do that though, it is not going to be handed to her like it may be for some males.

-Kayla Samolinski

For full article visit: http://www.thelamron.com/opinion/lawsuit-against-wal-mart-could-propel-women-s-rights-in-the-work-force-1.2147958

Gender Balance Needed for Women's Coaches

This article talks about how women are not receiving the same chances as men are in NCAA athletic coaching.  Men even more than ever are taking over most of the jobs to coach women student athletes.  In 1972, the year Title IX was enacted, more than 90% of the head coaches of intercollegiate women's teams in all sports were women, according to the Women's Sports Foundation. In 2006, that number plummeted to 42.4%. In collegiate women's soccer, specifically, it's now just under 30%, down from 33% in 1997.  This change in my opinion is shown by the fact that now women’s sports are beginning to become more appealing which means more money for coaches.  The more money is bringing in more men and making them more likely to take those positions.  Why is a female dominated job in the 70’s becoming a male dominated one now in your opinion?   

The one thing that I found to be interesting was the fact that the article brought up the fact that the NFL is required to interview at least one African American to give them the opportunity to receive the head coaching position.  Do you think that this would be something that would help women’s chances in receiving head coaching positions like it has in the NFL?

I feel and the article does agree that women really are better at coaching women.  They know how to deal with girls.  They have more emotional intelligence and I feel that it is important for girls with a great deal of emotion to be coached by someone that is more likely to relate to them.  This is a major key element that men just do not have as much of as men do.  But even with these facts this article still shows that women are not moving up the labyrinth but are moving backwards.   

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2007-10-24-brennan-column_N.htm

Posted By: Jim Link

The Obstacles of Female Leadership in Schools

As I was reading through this article on the obstacles of female leadership in schools, I was realizing that there are a lot of leadership issues that take place at school for women that I had not known about.  The article goes on to explain that female educators experience the same kinds of issues as other women in different business careers.  The two main categories where women are facing leadership issues in the school is career problems, and the problems that women face in their own classroom relating to leadership.

It is also stated that female teachers are not often taught about the issues they will be affronted with before they start teaching.  This means that these women are forced to handle problems as they arrive rather than being prepared for any issue.  There are many issues in the classroom that women could be facing.  The article also states that teachers may have to try unique approaches for running their classrooms.  I would believe that many teachers have to use a situational approach to their leadership due to the fact that there are many issues that can arise.   To be an effective leader requires that a person adapt his or her style to the demands of different situations.

It is stated that older children, especially boys, mainly challenge a women’s authority in schools.  In order for female to cater to these individuals and gain the trust of these students, they may have to use one of the four leadership styles from the situational approach.  One individual may need the coaching approach because the student may need a lot of direction on what to do as well as a lot of help and support.  Another student may need a directing style because they work better when there is a goal in place and only need little supervision while trying to complete a goal.

I believe that women may feel that they are not taken seriously in the classroom and feel a lack of authority by the students because they are female.  However, women teachers may simply be using the wrong approaches when teaching and disciplining their students.  The students may not trust the teacher and feel that the teacher cares about them.  It could simply be that women teachers are not taking the time to find the correct style of leadership to use on each child in different situations.

Do you believe that women leaders in the classroom are not taken seriously by male and older students due to the fact that women are not using the right leadership styles?  Or do you simply believe that women are not taken seriously simply because they are women and due to the labyrinth and the gender role differences?  What would you suggest women leaders to do in order to be taken seriously in the classroom and be better prepared for different issues?

To view entire article click here

Posted By: Laura Whisenhunt

High Turnover among Female Executives

This article talks about how female executives are twice as likely to depart from their jobs voluntary or involuntary compared to their male counterparts.  This stat is a major factor when it comes to women being able to take over top positions in company's.  It is also probably why women have not received the same amount of attention when it comes to hiring them to top potions.  "Becker-Blease said research has shown that women are more likely to leave a job due to domestic or social responsibilities than men, which could explain the higher voluntary departure rate."  This makes employers job very hard when knowing that women might get up and leave earlier than any man and it affects their ability to break the labyrinth.  

“Recent research offers some intriguing evidence suggesting that while the market may seem to perceive women as less capable business leaders, the disparity isn’t really about gender, but about the experience those women bring to the table,” Becker-Blease said.  This quote shows that in order for women to really break through the labyrinth they need to find away to become more experienced in their fields whether that i through more education or through more work in their positions.  

The other main point that the article brings up is that women really do benefit from other women in top positions within the company. My opinion for this is that women that are shown to do well within the company allows the company to put more trust in them because like the article states they are shown to have more experience.  The more experience anyone shows whether it is a man or a women definitely benefits the gender within the company.  Why do you think women benefit more when women control top positions.  Also do you think that companies are being more discriminatory towards women because of their type of leadership skills or do you think it has to do with their level of experience.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/10/05/high-turnover-among-women-executives/19179.html

Posted By: Jim Link

Gender Discrimination Against Women: From Cradle to CEO

Although the number of women who successfully navigate the labyrinth is on the rise, women are still facing many challenges.  This article goes to show that even still women are being stereotyped from child birth to adult hood.  Many young girls still are brought up to think that they are only able to do certain jobs, and in some cases it is instilled in their minds that they are only supposed to be wives and mothers.  These constant messages may lead to false believe and some girls will grow up thinking they do not belong in high powered corporate world.  These stereotypes are particular damaging for women because agentic, as opposed to communal, tendencies are often indispensable.  According to the role congruity theory, the agentic qualities thought necessary in the leadership role are incompatible with the predominantly communal qualities stereotypically associated with women, thus resulting in prejudice against female leaders.

The article continues to state the even today elementary school teachers give more attention in math and science to the boys, and language arts with the girls.  This is because the math and science skills may be vital for many male dominate professions.  It says that in middle school years, the girls are more likely to be discouraged from playing sports and doing clubs, and more encouraged to participate in volunteer work and babysitting.  They are pushed to do more passive activities.  Many women are often encouraged to go into careers that are stereotypical female oriented jobs, like teaching, nursing, cares giving, retail, and office administration.  The book states that this helps explain on stereotyped expectation that women tae care and men take charge.  Gender stereotypes are pervasive, well documented, and highly resistant to change and this could be the reason that teachers still try to pursue the girls into thinking that the care giving jobs are best for them.

More women are starting businesses and are in the work force are man, and like the book states a majority of the women are degree holders, yet according to the department of Labor women are still only dominating in fields and industries that are seen as “female”.  Do you think that this could possibly be because even though more women are working they are still less likely to self promote and negotiate then men? Also if schools we not allowed to push certain subjects on students do you think that in general women may become more dominate then the men?

Posted By: Kayla Samolinski

For full article: http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/challengeswomenface/a/genderdiscrim.htm

Shattering Beer's Glass Ceiling: The Rise of Women Brewers

“Women have always been involved in craft beer—but their ranks are growing, and they don't want to be like the boys” this is a quote that was used in the article by the name of Shattering Beer’s Glass Ceiling: The Rise of Women Brewers. After reading this article I was able to learn that there are some gender differences that create a glass ceiling for women in the real business world. In the last few years women have been trying to break the glass ceiling by attaining higher executive positions in many industries and the women in this article are not the exception. Last month three women from different breweries met in Cambridge, Massachusetts to “cook-up” their own beer in an industry that has been defined by being dominated by men and where women still face some challenges.

The article explains that even though women have been part of the craft beer renaissance since its beginnings in the 1980s, it was not until the last decade or so that women have been noticed more on the brewery floor.  It was not until the recent years that women were identified as brewers rather than just “one of the boys” in the industry. One of the questions that was asked was “what’s changing?” One of the women answered “more women are starting to realize there’s a place in the industry for them” (Parisi, 2011). Also, a corker in the quality control from one of the breweries said that it was only in the last two and a half years that he first met a woman brewer.

Megan Parisi, also explains that the culture of the industry is changing in America. She states that more women are drinking beer on their own, which is creating more awareness. But all three women also explain that there are still many differences they are facing within the industry. For example, all three women say they felt welcomed at their breweries, but they do have challenges when it comes to dealing with suppliers, distributors, and customers. Laura Ulrich, who is one of the brewers, explains about the time when she is with a group of men brewers; most people would walk up to the men and never acknowledge her presence. It seems that in fact women do face gender differences and, therefore, a glass ceiling in the beer industry. According to chapter 13^th of our textbook, women face significant gender biases and social disincentives when they self-promote for leadership positions.  This industry is not the exception. The article states that women involved in brewing are still small, particularly because they exclude office staff, sales teams, and bartenders and wait staffs, which are seen more as facilitator or organizer roles rather than leadership roles. I believe the women in this article are self-promoting themselves for a leadership position and therefore making women more socially attractive and more hirable within the industry. Also, another difference is that women are trying to overcome the traits necessary to work in the industry. For example, our text book explains that men are more likely than women to have the ability to persuade and in the article it does tells us that these woman are facing problems when dealing with suppliers, distributors, and customers because women are less likely to negotiate.

I believe if women can overcome the problems dealing with their suppliers and distributors they will be able to break the glass ceiling within the industry because, as the article states, the American culture is changing and more women are trading mixed drinks for beer. I believe these three women brewers are breaking the glass ceiling by trying to show the industry that women do have what it takes to play in this “boy’s game”. Do you think we will be seeing more companies within the beer industry hiring more women as leaders? Do you think the American culture is changing within this industry?

Posted By: Hugo Sanchez

To read more go to http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/03/shattering-beers-glass-ceiling-the-rise-of-women-brewers/72156/ 

Women Lag Further in Reaching Executive Ranks

            Women throughout the years have significantly attained higher executive positions in a variety of jobs, but according to this article it seems this rise is beginning to plateau.  Although women exceed men in educational achievement, they are more likely to lag in pay and be in poverty and the current recession may have hindered them even more.   It also seems to hold true that the stereotypes on women as “caretakers” as opposed to strong leaders might be another reason for the labyrinth women seem to encounter.  According to studies, this is not completely true.  Most women are indeed effective leaders and it is supported in empirical research.  The research shows that women are more likely to use transformational leadership behaviors, which are concerned with improving the performance of followers and developing followers to their fullest potential, and contingent rewards, which is an exchange process in which the follower’s effort is rewarded by the leader.  Women’s commitment and motivation for leadership roles also is just as equal as men’s.  So why do you believe this plateau is occurring? 

It seems some firms, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers are trying to increase the number of women leaders in their company by allowing more flexible schedules to attend to family matters and this should strongly increase women’s ability to move up on the ladder.  Child rearing and domestic duties seem to be a large responsibility women are held mostly accountable for and is one extent to why the leadership labyrinth seems to exist.  If companies pursue more flexible schedules, women would be able to balance their work and families much more effectively increasing the number of possible job opportunities for women.  Accenture is another firm which proactively tries to give women equal opportunities as men.  They have found setting an internal gender diversity target every year to increase the amount of women receiving promotions has proven successful.  Do you think if more organizations implemented these ideas; it may help women get over the plateau they are encountering?  How do you think organizations can be more proactive in promoting and hiring women in elite leadership positions?

Posted by: Amanda Goetz

Read the full article at: http://bx.businessweek.com/women-in-leadership/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052748704444604576173323004406818.html%3Fmod%3Ddist_smartbrief

Does Female Ambition Require Sacrifice?

After reading the article “Does Female Ambition Require Sacrifice?”, I am able to better understand how women stereotypes can happen in Hollywood as well as in the real work world.  Natalie Portman is breaking the glass ceiling or the “Labyrinth” by having a baby, getting married, and winning all of these awards.  When looking at the Labyrinth, Portman is overcoming the stereotypes that are placed on women in the work force. 

There is also a prejudice that women take care and men take charge.  It is also said that people are expected to avoid behaviors that are incompatible with the stereotype.  This means that if women are stereotyped to be caring, warm, and sensitive, then they should act that way.  Portman is not steering away from these stereotypes and is still boldering right past the barrier to the top.  She has the ambition and has a hungry need to succeed.  However, she has proven that she has not had to sacrifice or give up any of her personal life to succeed.

Although Natalie Portman is not a business women becoming a CEO, she is an example and an inspiration to many women.  This story shows how any women can still be married and raise a family, as well as still rise in the business world.  Women must work past their stereotypes and not let them get in the way.  Usually when people adhere to their stereotypes, they don’t ever break past them.  Do you believe that in order for women to succeed in the business world and break past the glass ceiling, they will have to sacrifice traditional “norms” of womanhood?  In other words, will being ambitious and power hungry cost a women her family or her “outside of work” life?

To read more of the article click here 

Posted By: Laura Whisenhunt

CEO Pay Breaks Glass Ceiling: Yahoo's Bartz Gets $47.2 Million

In this article it talks about how women in CEO positions are beginning to make more money than men in these positions. "Sixteen women heading companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index averaged earnings of $14.2 million in their latest fiscal years, 43 percent more than the male average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News from proxy filings".   This number is ground breaking and considering it was written 10 months ago this number is most likely rising to a completely new level.  

In this article they talk about how they believe that the glass ceiling is finally being shattered and women are not only breaking through to the top of the organization but they are also beginning to make the same if not more money than men in some of the same positions.  Having more women in power positions should make it easier for other women to break through into companies and get rid of the barriers that women might have while trying to get a job.

One thing that i found interesting in the article was a quote by Graef Crystal, a pay expert  “compensation committees are saying we don’t want to have any trouble” over underpaying women, “so if we err, let’s err on the side of giving them too much.”  Is this really the right thing to do? Why is it alright to overpay women but not men?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-05-12/ceo-pay-breaks-glass-ceiling-as-bartz-gets-42-7-million-with-09-bonanza.html

Posted by: Jim Link

No Glass Ceiling for Women in India

Not only is just one woman in India breaking through the glass ceiling, but reportedly all women in India are.  Last week at the 17^th India Business Conference at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, many successful Indian women congregated to discuss some of their viewpoints on the glass ceiling, or lack thereof, in India. 

According to these successful women leaders, a glass ceiling does not exist in India.  Because of this, Shika Sharma the Managing Director and CEO of Axis Bank asks the audience how many women would consider moving to India if there was no question of hitting a glass ceiling.  Apparently, “more and more women are getting into senior executive positions in India.”  Why are these top executive jobs so easily attainable by women in India, but women in America still struggle with the issue in some areas? 

Indian women say the key to earning top positions is focusing on their ambitions and knowing the right balance between work and family, but I believe any person, no matter what country they are from can do this.  Perhaps considering Mumford’s Skills Model, Indian schools teach more problem-solving or social judgment skills at younger ages than in America so they grow to be more effective leaders.  In turn, effective leaders are more attractive for top positions.

Senior writer at the Wall Street Journal, S. Mitra Kalita stated, "Being a woman, I am more nurturing as a manager. I leverage the multi-tasking capabilities that women are naturally endowed with."  This raises the question, do you think women have more emotional intelligence than men because they are naturally more sensitive to others emotions due to their nurturing and comforting ways?  If so, do you think this makes them a more effective leader?

Women obtaining top positions are great for companies to gain a woman’s perspective on visions they have, as well as add some diversity.  Women, like men, have great ideas to share and I am glad that there are no boundaries for the women in India.  Do you think the Indian leadership style is more focused on relationships rather than tasks due to the high number of women leaders?  Overall, what is your opinion on why more women in India receive top executive positions than in America?


Posted by: Amanda Goetz

Read the full article here: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/no-glass-ceiling-for-women-in-india/articleshow/7442881.cms

"Young Harper aide shatters glass ceiling to run election campaign"

Thirty four year old Jenny Byrne emerged this week as the most powerful woman in politics in Ottawa, Canada.  Ms. Byrne is taking over as campaign manager for Doug Finley.   Finley is struggling with cancer, and he is unable to put much effort into the campaign at this time.  Byrne is taking on a position that is traditionally occupied by a middle-age white male.  She is claimed to be both feared and fearless.  She has a cultivated reputation where many people are scared to be on the wrong side of her.  So Harper thinks she will be able to do the job of running his campaign just fine.  Few women manage national campaigns but after two minority governments, Mr. Harper is desperate for a majority.  One former official of Harper says he does not care if it is a man or woman running the show; he just wants the job to get done.  He had picked Byrne to do this because even though she seems so intimidating she is just the person to get the job done.

Ms. Byrne attended College and the University of Ottawa, worked for the PMO as a director of issues management, was the director of political operations, seen victories in four out of seven by-elections, and previous to being appointed at campaign manager she served as Mr. Finley’s deputy.   Also with the election approaching fast, it is said that Ms. Byrne s not entirely on her own, The New national campaign chair Guy Giorno will be on her side.  He is a very calm man and will be a good balance with Ms. Byrne.

I believe that Ms. Byrne will do very well as the campaign manager for Mr. Harper.  Even though she has a very intense and controlling personality, I feel that she will able to pull through in elections.  It is amazing to me that a woman can take over a mans position, and fulfill it with all the potentials that he can.  I think that Ms. Byrne should feel very honored to be chosen for this position, and with her education and experience she will do great things.


Posted By: Kayla Samolinski
To view article go to: Young Harper aid shatters glass ceiling to run election campaign

"From guerrilla fighter to one of the most powerful women in the world"

On January 1st the first woman president took office in Brazil. Dilma Rousseff, made history by becoming the first female president of Brazil. She is not just an ordinary person who was randomly elected to be president. She was a guerrilla fighter in the 1960s that fought back against the dictatorship of the government. Since she fought back she was imprisoned for three years and during that time she was tortured. Ever since then she wanted to rise above the past and fight to make Brazil a better place for everyone. Her goal is to better education, help the poor, and provide health care and security to the people of Brazil.

In the United States we have began to change our view of how the president should be. In 2009 the first African-American president was elected. In England the Queen has been ruling for quite some time without a King. Recently, Brazil has set the stage for a woman to be at the top. Being one of the few countries to elect a woman has truly opened the door for other countries to really start thinking about and pursing electing a woman to run a country.

Every time change is among us we become scared and resistant to new ideas. The idea of a woman running a country is scary for many to accept but because Brazil has elected its first woman president, it is opening the door for a big change that could even happen here in the near future. What do you think about having a woman as president?

Posted by: Hugo Sanchez
Click here to watch the short video and to read more 

GM's Ms. Barra, Beaks the Ceiling!

This past January, GM promoted an individual to become the new head of Vehicle Development.  This individual was not just anybody, however, this individual happens to be a female.  This is a very interesting story becuase women are not always seen to be in the leading spot, let alone, of Vehicle Development.  This job tends to fall in the hands of men.

General Motors Co. Cheif Executive Officer Dan Akerson named human resource head Mary Barra senior vice president of global product development.  This is going outside the current vehicle team for the new leader of the futer models.  Many may say that this is going against a "tradition" or "norm" of having men take care of the automotive area.  However Barra has an outstanding background in manufacturing which gives her additional knowledge of GM's network.  Some may also believe that this is a risky move of Akerson, current CEO, becuase there hasn't yet been anyone as good since Lutz was in the lead.

Ms. Barra was already GMs highest ranking woman, and has served prior to HR, was vice president for global manufacturing engineering and manager of an assembly plant in Detroit.

I believe that this is a great move on GM's part.  They are setting the stage and adding a new style to the market.  They will benefit from her experience and different opinions.  She will demonstrate good leadership through her collaboration with two other individuals who will be helping her to get the different areas of the company working together.  As stated in an article, "Her ability to collaborate and build strong relationships will enhance the company's ability to deliver the products today's customers demand."  Do you think it was a good idea for GM to be the first to have a women in the spot of Ms. Barra.  Was it the right move?

Posted By: Laura Whisenhunt
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Group 4 Introduction

Hi everybody!  This semester in our organizational leadership class, a few of us will be working together to create and post this blog.  Here are the members:

Amanda Goetz
Jim Link
Kayla Samolinsk
Hugo Sanchez
Laura Whisenhunt

Our main topic of this blog will cover topics that involve shattering the "glass ceiling".  This may involve anything from women in top positions in the work force as well as any diversity issues.  These individuals may have different characteristics of power or differerent traits and characteristics that led them to where they are today.  We will post links to recent events relating to to the glass ceiling and leadership.  Anyone should feel free to post thier thoughts and feelings towards these subject matters at anytime.  We look foward to hearing from you!