Indian employees welcome lady bosses

In a survey conducted by Randstad Workmonitor for Q1 2013, 76 per cent feel there are not enough women on top positions in the corporate sector

Women in leadership' continues to be an evolving topic for India Inc. According to Randstad India's recent Workmonitor survey, 76 per cent of the survey respondents felt there are not enough women in top positions in their organisations, which is significantly higher when compared to the world average of 46%. Also, the survey findings state that, 75 per cent of Indian workforce believes a quota to ensure companies promote more women to leadership positions will address this issue.

In addition, the survey indicates that 91 per cent of respondents have strong aspiration for leadership positions, in comparison to a global average of 55 per cent. The survey also reflects that there is equal desire among men (92 per cent) and women (89 percent) to take up leadership roles in an organisation. Randstad work monitor is a quarterly review that tracks jobseekers confidence and provides a comprehensive understanding of job market sentiment and trends relating to the employment market across 32 countries.

Commenting on the findings, E Balaji, MD & CEO, Randstad India said that. "It is interesting to note that Indian employees have indicated a preference for quota to promote women to leadership positions. However, we need to understand that a quota may trigger the initiative, but it may not help in building a strong talent pool or may not be sustainable. "

Other key findings from India: - In India, 80 per cent of respondents have said that there are more men than women in a leadership position. This is corroborated by a high 76% of the respondents saying that there are not enough women in a leadership position in their respective organisations. These sentiments are higher in India than in the rest of the world.

- 90 per cent of the employees surveyed in India believe that there should be a diversified and balanced male and female leadership team. This is comparable with the world average of 84%.

- Interestingly, 81 per cent of the Indian employees have said that their employer encourages women employees to pursue leadership positions when compared to a world average of 57%.

- The survey indicates a balance in men (92%) and women (89%) having equal aspiration to take up leadership roles in a company.

- Amongst Indian employees, the job loss fear has decreased from 31per cent to 23 per cent over the last quarter, indicating improving confidence amongst them.

- About 77 per cent of the respondents surveyed expressed a satisfaction with their respective employers in India.

- Amongst all the countries surveyed, India has the highest index of 150, an increase from 147 reported in the last quarter.