February 9th, 2015: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Assistant Professor Jeanette Teh has revealed that 'double standards and gender stereotypes' are still significant barriers to women's progression in the workplace, in a recent article published by industry magazine, Gulf Business.
The opinion piece, entitled "Held To Higher Standards: Why The Glass Ceiling Still Exists", is the latest in a series of commentaries by professor Teh to feature in the leading business publication. In it she discusses the recent research findings issued by American independent research organization, Pew Research Center, on the subject of 'Women in Leadership'.
"The findings were interesting," reveals professor Teh, "While the American public generally felt women were equally capable as leaders, women were held to a higher standard than men and these gender stereotypes will continue to prevent true equality."
She continues, "While men were perceived to be stronger at risk-taking and negotiating profitable deals, women were seen by the majority as being more compassionate and organized. Female business leaders were also generally seen as better at compromising, being honest and ethical, mentoring, and providing fair pay than their male counterparts.
"Theoretically, then, women are deemed as capable as men. However, they have to do more to prove themselves to surmount the expectation that men are more naturally suited to leadership positions."
Teh considered the Center's recent research findings in the context of the upcoming International Women's Day, which will run under theme 'Make It Happen', and concluded the article with her own ideas on how to 'Make It Happen' and eliminate the need for women to perform to higher standards because of outdated expectations.
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