Table of Contents
Editorial conventions and confidentiality
Chapter 1: Women at the top (or not): history, background, issues and themes
Progress in context: two steps forward, one back?
Ceilings, walls and floors: the continuation of disadvantage?
Strategies for success and ‘performing masculinity’
Chapter 2: Methodology: an explanation and a critique
The interview format – some issues
Confidentiality and anonymity – from case studies to case interviews
Doing the interviews – initial steps and revisions
Chapter 3: Characteristics of the women in the study
Personal characteristics – how did these women see themselves?
Ambition, motivation and determination to succeed
Energy, hard work, perfectionism
Communication, empathy, the ‘softer’ side
Balance and perspective – ‘it’s only a job’
Chapter 4: Exploring and experiencing ‘success’
The participants’ views of success
Self-deprecation and external recognition
Chapter 5: Career progression and planning
Taking risks and being determined
Chapter 6: Mentoring, role models and networking
The importance of good mentoring and role models
Men as mentors and role models
The women themselves as mentors and role models
Types of network and network make-up
Difference and differentiation
Being a woman: help or hindrance?
Chapter 8: Barriers and obstacles
Obstacles based on discrimination
Women as barriers to other women
Chapter 9: The ‘glass ceiling’
Evidence for a ‘glass ceiling’
Chapter 10: Sacrifices, gains, balances and choices
Chapter 11: Domestic considerations
Working harder professionally and personally
Chapter 13: Leadership and management styles
Areas of difference between male and female leaders
The emergence of a female leadership style
Particular traits of leadership
Leadership characteristics: the individual
Listening, learning and being there more
Team working, ego, changing approaches
Being yourself – with confidence
Taking risks and making mistakes
Women at the top – the broader picture
Chapter 16: Summary and conclusion
Mentoring, role models, networking
Sacrifices, gains, choices and balances