board « Henkel Diversity Blog

More Diversity at DAX companies / Mehr Vielfalt in DAX-Konzernen

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Last week, the leading german business magazines had some good news: the desire for more diversity in German boards has been fulfilled – at least partly. Research conducted by the consulting firm Simon-Kucher & Partners showed, that the share of foreign board member increased. 60 percent of the board members appointed last year are not Germans. Thereby, the share of foreign board members increased to 28 percent. The author of the study, Christoph Lesch, believes a percentage of foreigners between 30 and 40 percent is desirable. The high percentage of foreigners reflects the structure of shareholders, markets and employees.
At Henkel, 60 percent of the management board are not from germany. For example, our CEO Kaspar Rorsted comes from Denmark. Employees from 48 nations work at our headquarter in Düsseldorf. Worldwide, employees from 116 different nations work for Henkel.
One objective for more diversity is fulfilled. It remains to be seen, if the desire for more women on management boards can be fulfilled as well. [DE]
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Men and Women think differently / Männer und Frauen denken anders

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Why are there only few women in management positions in Germany? There is no satisfying answer to that question. Every scientist, women and economist have their own answer.

The American neurobiologist Dr. Louann Brizandine gained attention for her approach to the problem. In an interview with the German newspaper FAZ she explains: The male brain works fundamentally different from the female brain. The working world was created by men and for men. Women clearly have the brains to make it to the top. But their brain doesn’t fit in the economy world. But why? What is the difference that makes it so difficult for women to fit in with the male-dominated top-management?

According to Brizandine, the female brain works emotionally while the male brain is more focused on solutions. This leads to misunderstandings. To use the potential of women for the economy, this difference must be recognized. However, Dr. Brizandine was widely criticized for her approach. [DE]

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Topless – German Boards without women? / “Oben ohne” – Deutsche Vorstände ohne Frauen?

Monday, March 22nd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

One week ago Telekom’s HR board member Thomas Sattelberger announced a 30 percent quota for women in management position until 2015. An approach the majority of German’s Dax companies avoid until today. There intention is to get a higher share of women in top position by transparency, hiring and promotion rules or customized female career plans. The better or just another way for closing the women gap? [DE]

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Good time for Business Men/ Gute Zeiten für Geschäftsmänner

Thursday, March 18th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Skirting the issue – That was the headline of an article in the latest release of “The Economist”. The impuls was set by the upcoming trend in European countries to introduce women’s quota for boards. France and Spain wants to have 40 % share of women on boards until 2016 (Spain until 2015). Norway already underwent the process of fulfilling quotas for female board members. A success or a disaster? Do quotas tackle a symptom of discrimination or the cause? [EN]

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Telekom introduces Women’s Quota / Telekom führt Frauenquote ein

Monday, March 15th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

The first Dax-Company in Germany introduces a women’s quota of 30 % for women in leading positions until 2016. That means to double the rate of female manager’s share for Deutsche Telekom. To establish a quota is a way to prevent legislation. “There’s no advancement in the share of women in top positions. That has to be improved”, said Telekom’s HR board member Sattelberger. What do you think? Quota? Yes or no or inbetween…? [DE]

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Corporate Gender Gap Report: Women still scarce at top management level / Corporate Gender Gap Report: An der Spitze bleiben Frauen rar

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

The World Economic Forum’s Corporate Gender Gap Report surveyed 600 companies in 20 countries. It shows that still less than 5% of women rise to senior management or board positions. The barriers identified were a masculine corporate culture and a lack of role models. A positive result is, that almost 40 percent of the companies are setting specific targets, quotas or policies to support women [DE].