Product Description

Never before has there been such a confluence of international attention to the economic importance of women and the need for policies to enable them to fulfil their potential. The position of women – as employees, consumers and leaders – is seen as a measure of health, maturity and economic viability.

Why Women Mean Business takes the economic arguments for change to the heart of the corporate world. This powerful new book analyses the opportunities available to companies that really understand what motivates women in the workplace and the marketplace. Find out how companies that learn to adapt to women will be better able to respond to the challenge of an ageing workforce and the demands of the next generation of knowledge workers. The authors compare policies and approaches in countries around the world, that offer surprising and envious results.

The optimisation of women’s talents will boost the bottom line. Taking action to achieve this will require sustained courage and conviction from today’s corporate leaders. Reading Why Women Mean Business will be an important first step.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #238121 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 5.75" w x 8.80" l, 1.30 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 376 pages

Review
"This powerful new book analyses the opportunities available to companies that really understand what motivates women in the workplace..." (Women–omics.com, October 9th 2008)

"Wittenberg–Cox & Maitland have opened new ground (and) added a useful dimension to the debate" Management Today, February 2008)

"Offers many fascinating findings on the roles of women today... a highly collaborative book" (People Management, Thursday 7th February 2008)

"...a cheering alternative to the traditional whinge about men holding women back in the workplace" (Financial World, February 2008)

"step–by–step guide for mangers on how to create growth by valuing the input of both women and men" (theglasshammer.com. Tuesday 5th February 2008)

" need Maitland and Wittenberg–Cox to spell out the persistence of "soft"  barriers and spur the politicians to demand reforms." (commentisfree.guardian.co.uk)              

"At least someone is talking sense, and we shouldn′t be surprised that it′s a woman." (Scotland On Sunday, Monday 11th February 2008)

“Why Women Mean Business is an innovative and stimulating book.” (Financial Times, Tuesday 26th February 2008)

“[The authors] make a convincing case for more women in senior business roles. The case is supported by sound research.“ (Financial Times, Thursday 28th February 2008)

“…offers practical advice, backed up by case studies and statistics.” (Director, March 2008)

“This powerful new book brings together…the multiplicity of opportunities available to companies that really understand what motivates women...” (The Business Channel Newsletter, March 2008)

“…this book lays out the importance of retaining women in senior leadership positions, and the dangers of ignoring half the talent pool.” (Harper′s Bazaar, April 2008)

 “The authors have been meticulous in their research, with an impressive collection of up–to–date, relevant case studies and statistics.” (Personnel Today, Tuesday 1st April 2008)

"Why and how to improve women′s place in business leadership”. (International Herald Tribune, Friday 4th April 2008)

“The book is a comprehensive understanding of the emergence of women as the next economic revolution”. (TNT Link newsletter, March 2008)

Review
"Wittenberg–Cox & Maitland have opened new ground (and) added a useful dimension to the debate" Management Today, February 2008)

"Offers many fascinating findings on the roles of women today... a highly collaborative book" (People Management, Thursday 7th February 2008)

"...a cheering alternative to the traditional whinge about men holding women back in the workplace" (Financial World, February 2008)

"step–by–step guide for mangers on how to create growth by valuing the input of both women and men" (theglasshammer.com. Tuesday 5th February 2008)

" need Maitland and Wittenberg–Cox to spell out the persistence of "soft"  barriers and spur the politicians to demand reforms." (commentisfree.guardian.co.uk)              

"At least someone is talking sense, and we shouldn′t be surprised that it′s a woman." (Scotland On Sunday, Monday 11th February 2008)

“Why Women Mean Business is an innovative and stimulating book.” (Financial Times, Tuesday 26th February 2008)

“[The authors] make a convincing case for more women in senior business roles. The case is supported by sound research.“ (Financial Times, Thursday 28th February 2008)

“…offers practical advice, backed up by case studies and statistics.” (Director, March 2008)

“This powerful new book brings together…the multiplicity of opportunities available to companies that really understand what motivates women...” (The Business Channel Newsletter, March 2008)

"Thorough and direct… both a practical and lively a read… clear, authentic, stimulating and sometimes provocative.” (Financial Times, Fri 14th March 2008)

“…this book lays out the importance of retaining women in senior leadership positions, and the dangers of ignoring half the talent pool.” (Harper′s Bazaar, April 2008)

 “The authors have been meticulous in their research, with an impressive collection of up–to–date, relevant case studies and statistics.” (Personnel Today, Tuesday 1st April 2008)

"Why and how to improve women′s place in business leadership”. (International Herald Tribune, Friday 4th April 2008)

“The book is a comprehensive understanding of the emergence of women as the next economic revolution”. (TNT Link newsletter, March 2008)

“…an interesting and timely contribution to the debate over women’s role and purpose in business…peppered with case studies…a refreshing book...” Edge July/August 2008

 “Packed with research studies and examples, the writers make a powerful case for extensive change.” The Marketer June 2008

“I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to think strategically about current trends in the economic and employment markets.”The Journal May 2008

"...widely researched, with lots of facts...I would say this book is a must–read...provides a new and interesting take on equality issues" (On Target, November 2008)

Financial World, February 2008
"...a cheering alternative to the traditional whinge about men holding women back in the workplace"

Customer Reviews

Good analysis + relevant advice for change
This book actually works. It explains why few women rise to the top. It is because companies are generally not aware of how men and women live different lives and that companies to a large extent are mostly based on a masculine logic.

In addition to a brilliant analysis, they present action tips on how to change your company and improve the business at the same time.

In case you're in a company struggling with not retaining you clever people, and in particular women, this book will leave you full of insight and energy enabling you to change status quo.

The talent wars aren't coming...they're already here
'Why Women Mean Business' is, finally, the indisputable, definitive business case for gender diversity. The authors' wide-ranging research has covered markets, leadership, decision-making, recruitment and retention, aging societies, corporate governance, business schools, glass ceilings and sticky floors. Wittenberg-Cox and Maitland have moved the discussion so far beyond 'the right thing to do' that hopefully this will, once and for all, disappear from the corporate radar screen. Women Matter -- because they are your markets, present and future, for everything from cars to cologne. Because they are the majority of today's university graduates (and almost all of the top ones). Because they understand collaboration, partnership, communication and (YES) leadership. Because they are the MAJORITY OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION. To cite the book's business case on global giant Schlumberger, in a quote from Chairman and CEO Andrew Gould: 'Gender diversity is business driven. Why deprive the company of access to half of the world's intellectual potential?'.

Why indeed? Read this book to find out how you can move YOUR company into the 21st century...before it's too late. And give this book to every male leader you know.

Insightful look at women and the global economy
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox and Alison Maitland have carefully gazed through the gender-equality kaleidoscope and then turned it slightly - giving readers a refreshing view. Treating women as a workforce minority is no longer acceptable; nor should executives manage them in the same way as their male counterparts. Women are different from men, and their work and leadership styles reflect this difference. Treating women like men, or trying to "fix them" so they will advance in a male-centric work culture has not been successful, as demonstrated by the dearth of women in high leadership positions and on executive boards. Therefore, company leaders must reframe the gender debate and repair their biased systems. This book tells them how. getAbstract considers it important reading for human resources directors and corporate leaders, who may be heartened by its assurance that organizations that become "gender-bilingual" will find solutions to many 21st-century problems.