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Unmasking the politics of policy‐driven change (or not) for gender diversity

Author

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  • Heidi Rosser
  • Irene Ryan
  • Barbara Myers

Abstract

This article places a critical lens over one part of an empirical study to explore the political reasons for why (or why not) women on boards policies are effective (or not) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Political intersectionality is used as a heuristic tool to link the political agendas of macro level public policies to meso‐level organizational processes and how these (re)shape the micro‐level everyday politics of structural privilege and disadvantage. Interview data from 10 influential male directors show how the political agendas of powerful interest groups can shape the dialog and further embed the status quo by promoting a business case for gender diversity based on the inherent assumption that it incentivizes businesses to function as meritocracies. We argue that power and conflicting political interests must be addressed if diversity‐related interventions are to achieve the desired gender equity and social justice outcomes in a board membership.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Rosser & Irene Ryan & Barbara Myers, 2024. "Unmasking the politics of policy‐driven change (or not) for gender diversity," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 133-151, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:31:y:2024:i:1:p:133-151
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.13060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krista B. Lewellyn & Maureen I. Muller-Kahle, 2020. "The Corporate Board Glass Ceiling: The Role of Empowerment and Culture in Shaping Board Gender Diversity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 165(2), pages 329-346, August.
    2. Jane Parker & Janet Sayers & Amanda Young‐Hauser & Shirley Barnett & Patricia Loga & Selu Paea, 2022. "Gender and ethnic equity in Aotearoa New Zealand's public service before and since Covid‐19: Toward intersectional inclusion?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 110-130, January.
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