EXCLUSIVE: Are you shocked by the fact only 26% of management roles are held by women? The Communications Council has launched an online survey to canvass the industry's views on gender diversity.
The survey is part of a three-stage program by the Comms Council's Gender Diversity Working Group to identify factors contributing to the gender imbalance in senior roles in the industry. In particular, the group wants to understand the attitudes of employees towards gender diversity in their workplace and how that compares to actual practice.
It is also looking to understand the stumbling blocks to career progression by female staff in the industry and hear stories and insights from those still in and those who have left the industry.
The survey, conducted by D&M Research, is targeting women of all ages and positions in the marketing communications industry or those who have previously worked in it. The group is also encouraging people to pass the survey on through their networks and workplaces to maximise the pool of respondents. Topics addressed in the survey include perceptions about women and their commitment levels, why women may not stay as long in the industry and potential solutions to overcoming the imbalance.
The survey follows qualitative research which found gender issues are a low priority in the industry despite the economic benefits of gender diversity at senior levels.
The findings from the qualitative research, the survey and desk research will form the basis of a white paper to be produced by the group next year. In the long term, the Gender Diversity Working Group aims to raise awareness with and influence decision makers on the value of gender diversity and provide practical tools to assist businesses.
The group's mission statement is: “Promote the advancement of women in the marketing communications industry with a view to addressing the issue of gender imbalance and in the belief that gender diversity in business translates into tangible economic benefits and is an essential condition for businesses in the commercial creative sector to thrive.”
Click here to take the survey.
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