The effect of female management on company environment and consequential sustainable growth within the Central and Eastern European region

Lizaveta Bykava

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The recent adoption of a binding at the EU level “Women on Boards” law in November 2022 is expected to play a drastic role on the further progression and growth of organizations within the region. The academic literature review includes the assessment of the current status quo on female leadership, as well as a deep dive into the barriers women face worldwide and further funneled down to predominantly the Czech Republic. The business case of untapping the female potential is also described in the theoretical part of this thesis along with how insincere concern on the issue can backfire for organizations in the form of weakened brand reputation and decreased investment attractiveness. The research methodology of this thesis is qualitative, where semi-structured in-depth interviews with female leaders have been held. The thesis findings highlight the areas of strategic recommendations for companies to encourage female leadership as a strategic long-term investment for potential growth and serve as a starting point for further comprehensive evaluation on the impact of the barriers and integration of suggested initiatives in the modern workplace.

Abstract:

The recent adoption of a binding at the EU level “Women on Boards” law in November 2022 is expected to play a drastic role on the further progression and growth of organizations within the region. The academic literature review includes the assessment of the current status quo on female leadership, as well as a deep dive into the barriers women face worldwide and further funneled down to predominantly the Czech Republic. The business case of untapping the female potential is also described in the theoretical part of this thesis along with how insincere concern on the issue can backfire for organizations in the form of weakened brand reputation and decreased investment attractiveness. The research methodology of this thesis is qualitative, where semi-structured in-depth interviews with female leaders have been held. The thesis findings highlight the areas of strategic recommendations for companies to encourage female leadership as a strategic long-term investment for potential growth and serve as a starting point for further comprehensive evaluation on the impact of the barriers and integration of suggested initiatives in the modern workplace.

Keywords

workplace equality, gender parity, women barriers, female leadership, leadership

Keywords

leadership, workplace equality, gender parity, women barriers, female leadership

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 13. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 8. 6. 2023
• Supervisor: Ladislav Tyll
• Reader: Natálie Badie

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
International Management