21st November 2006
Are Women Less Ambitious Than Men?
Women may be suffering the legacy of the male-dominated workforce, according to new research from management consultancy Hay Group.
Hay Group’sWomen’s Work? report reveals a significant gap in motivation and ambition levels between men and women, as well as fundamental differences in what drives the sexes in the workplace.
According to the study, men are 73% more likely than women to describe to themselves as highly motivated at work. More than half of men (54%) describe themselves as ambitious, compared to just 42% of women.
Men are also 62% more likely to be doing their dream job than women, with two thirds (59%) of men stating their job is well matched to their skills and abilities, compared to just two fifths (41%) of women.
Women believe that they would be as much as 46% more productive if they were doing a job they loved, and up to a third more productive with better training, according to the Hay Group study.
Emmanuel Gobillot, the Hay Group Director behind Women’s Work? andauthor of The Connected Leader, said:
“The workplace is no longer the preserve of men, but the legacy of the male-dominated workforce may be affecting women’s prospects. Our research suggests that the job roles we create, values we prize and training we provide still fail to motivate women to the same degree as men.
“This is leaving close to half of the workforce worryingly de-motivated - which is having a damaging effect on productivity.”
Female Drivers
Hay Group’s study also exposes the contrasting motivational factors which contribute to job satisfaction for men and women.
While challenging and interesting work topped the list – and salary ranked just fourth - for both sexes, the research unearthed fundamental differences between men and women where workplace drivers are concerned.
Work-life balance and the quality of working relationships were key determinantsof job satisfaction for women. Women are 62% more likely to value relationships than men, who rate this just sixth among job motivation factors.
Men singled out power to make decisions and personal autonomy as their main drivers after challenging and interesting work.
The research also demonstrates differing perceptions of power in the workplace between the sexes: while twice as many women as men valued ‘empowering others’as a motivational factor, this was reversed when it came to ‘directing others’, which twice as many men singled out.
Emmanuel Gobillot commented: “The corporate mind-set may be prioritising the skills and attributes men value over those which motivate women.
“This is particularly worrying as the only way to appeal to customers is to create communities they want to belong to by placing more emphasis on relationships and networks.
“What we need in the workplace is not only a focus on achievement and power, but also the forging of coalitions in order to get the job done. By failing to engage women, employers are demotivating the very people they need most.
“Business leaders must ensure they create a workplace culture which engages all employees – or pay the price in productivity.”
ends
Further Information
For further information about the Women’s Work? Report or an interview with Emmanuel Gobillot, please contact:
Daryl Newman or Vanessa Legg at Man Bites Dog:
0870 609 4101
/
About Hay Group
Hay Group is a global consulting firm that works with leaders to turn strategies into reality. We develop talent, organise people to be more effective, and motivate them to perform at their best. With 85 offices in 47 countries, we work with over 7,000 clients across the world. Our clients are from the public and private sector, across every major industry, and represent diverse business challenges. Our focus is on making change happen and helping organisations realise their potential.
For more information, please visit
About Emmanuel Gobillot
Emmanuel Gobillot is a Director at management consultancy Hay Group. One of Europe’s most sought after leadership speakers. Gobillot is author of The Connected Leader, published by Kogan Page.
For more information, please visit