Women in Business

As we celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March, Allison Elias, assistant professor of business administration and author of the book The Rise of Corporate Feminism: Women in the American Office 1960–1990, asks whether all women benefit from efforts to advance gender equity in the workplace, as well as where we've been and where we're going.

The state of women at work has been at the forefront of discussions about unexpected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. But data sets and stories during the pandemic often highlighted trends seemingly in opposition: women’s leadership roles were growing, women in the workforce were declining. Darden experts weigh in.

In The Stakeholder Podcast, Professor Ed Freeman interviews Bill Shelton, who leveraged his success for social good. They discuss race in business, sports in society and how the habits of elite athletes can translate into career performance. Shelton’s EOS helps female athletes translate their success into corporate careers and sponsorships.

As we close Women’s History Month, some of Darden’s many female faculty experts share wisdom on leadership and business. Here they offer guidance in advancing to leadership positions, creating trust, race in the workplace, leading mindfully through crisis and supporting female entrepreneurs in emerging economies.

China’s progress towards modernization and marketization gave women unprecedented opportunities to launch and scale private enterprises and make billions in the process. Professor Ming-Jer Chen shares insights on how China managed to forge a new class of super-successful female founders.

Hiring and promoting decisions can easily come down to a candidate’s abilities versus “fit,” which can be more about identity and social behavior. Darden Professor Jim Detert presents a case in point on these company-defining decisions — and the importance of looking for clues to spot and overcome implicit biases.

Corporate innovation is crucial for value creation. What does that have to do with gender diversity? A new global study shows the real influence and impact of gender diversity on boards; when it comes to greater balance, so come greater innovation outcomes. And the effects may be evident sooner than you think.

Darden’s Martin Davidson and Lisa Cannell discuss the difference between mentoring and sponsoring women — and the importance of leveraging difference at work.

Professor Mary Gentile’s Giving Voice to Values (GVV) work delves into how we can tackle values issues. Here, she and Lisa Cannell offer insights to help women and men respond to unintended or uninformed — but nevertheless problematic — behaviors before they rise to the level of reporting offenses.

Darden Professor Lalin Anik has some practical advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs: Start by asking questions.