Women Matter

Is there a link between gender diversity and company performance? This question has been studied in detail by the McKinsey & Company consulting firm since 2007. The first report published in October 2007, began by establishing the link between organizational excellence, financial performance and female participation at the leadership level. In the second report, dated December 2008, the authors convincingly establish how the spontaneous leadership behavior of women has a positive impact on company results. This second report also publishes the results of an executive survey on the management behaviors needed to surmount companies’ future challenges and compare these with the typical behaviors demonstrated by men and women. The two subsequent reports go into more detail, specifically with regard to practical applications. What measures are the most effective based on the example set by the pioneers? Where do companies stand in 2009/2010 and how far do they still have to go?