book

Eve on Top

by David P. Baker, Bernadette Casey

November 2010

Intermediate to advanced

284 pages

6h 58m

English

Chandos Publishing

Read now

Unlock full access

IntroductionProgress in context: two steps forward, one back?Ceilings, walls and floors: the continuation of disadvantage?Family mattersSuccessStrategies for success and ‘performing masculinity’Conclusion
IntroductionQuantity or quality?The interview format – some issuesThe sampleConfidentiality and anonymity – from case studies to case interviewsDoing the interviews – initial steps and revisionsConclusion
IntroductionSocial profilePersonal characteristics – how did these women see themselves?Ambition, motivation and determination to succeedEnergy, hard work, perfectionismRebels with a causeConfidenceCommunication, empathy, the ‘softer’ sideBalance and perspective – ‘it’s only a job’Nature versus nurtureConclusion
IntroductionRationaleDefining our termsQuestions for discussionThe participants’ views of successSelf-deprecation and external recognitionThe broader debateConfidenceConclusion
Introduction‘It just happened’Planned and not plannedChanging targetsTurning pointsTaking risks and being determinedGetting promotedStepping off the ladderFuture plansConclusion
IntroductionThe importance of good mentoring and role modelsIndividualsMen as mentors and role modelsSupport and role of familyThe women themselves as mentors and role modelsThe importance of networkingTypes of network and network make-upConclusion
IntroductionDifference and differentiationGendered perspectivesBeing a woman: help or hindrance?Conclusion
IntroductionTypes of barrier and obstacleObstacles based on discriminationA work culture of masculinitySelf-imposed barriersWomen as barriers to other womenSnobberyNo obvious barriersPerceptionsConclusion
IntroductionEvidence for a ‘glass ceiling’No personal experienceNot deserving of promotion?Continued unequal treatmentThe next generationConclusion
IntroductionSacrificesGainsChoicesConclusion
IntroductionWomen as carersImproved conditionsTempted to stay at homeBeing there – or notSupportive partnersConclusion
IntroductionAll in the mindDefinitely notWorking harder professionally and personallyBeing drivenBeing modestWorking smarterNo difference at the topConclusion
IntroductionDifferences in styleAreas of difference between male and female leadersThe emergence of a female leadership styleParticular traits of leadershipLeadership characteristics: the individualConclusion
IntroductionListening, learning and being there moreAwareness of powerBehaviour and treatmentTeam working, ego, changing approachesUsing talent and networkingDemographyThe futureConclusion
IntroductionContextBeing yourself – with confidenceMentors and role modelsTaking risks and making mistakesWomen at the top – the broader pictureConclusion
IntroductionSuccessful womenKey drivers of successCareer progressionMentoring, role models, networkingGenderBarriers and obstaclesThe ‘glass ceiling’Sacrifices, gains, choices and balancesDomestic considerationsWorking harder?Leadership and management stylesAdvice to men and womenConcluding remarks

Overview

Eve on Top takes an in-depth look at the position of women in senior positions in the public sector using a case-study approach, based on ten ‘successful’ women and their background, upbringing, career progression, successes and failures, challenges and experiences. Each case study includes a ‘lessons learned’ response in the form of advice both to other women, and the organisations in which they work. Surrounding and supporting the case studies are short essays charting the main themes that emerge from the interview process, backed up by extensive literature reviews. The book also compares relevant public sectors in different parts of the world and concludes with several case studies.

Summarises the commonality and the diversity of the challenges and issues
Provides an analysis of the factors that help and hinder women in reaching the top positions
Provides solutions suggested by detailed analysis of real-life experiences