Introduction
The last few decades have seen significant changes to the workplace, with more women joining the workforce, and the workplace environment is subjected to changes to accommodate them. Breaking gender norms was a long struggle for women that led to the creation and implementation of gender equality laws. There are more women in the workplace today due to women’s efforts to acquire equal rights. However, joining the workforce is not a guarantee that women will be successful in organizations that are still male-dominated. Having an upward career trajectory is a harsh reality that many women have had to face, as gender bias and politics reign in every organization. Female leaders and those intending to be leaders must learn and play organizational politics to get ahead. While structural and social barriers still exist, the conditions for women to join the workforce and advance their careers have improved.
Discussion
Women have overcome several barriers to having access to equal working opportunities and career progression over the past few decades. The traditional expectations for women revolved around the home. Most married women stayed at home taking care of the children, and those who worked did so due to financial constraints at home (Damaske 9). The efforts of women’s movements faced a significant barrier in the form of social norms that did not see women in the same work as men. Overcoming these barriers has led to a considerable increase in the number of women in the workplace as organizations have realized the potential of women and the need to adhere to government guidelines on staffing. Work conditions have improved for women as several accommodations have been made to ensure they are equal to their male counterparts. There are more women in leadership positions due to efforts to ensure that the role of women in organizations and society is recognized.
Getting to leadership positions is a complex process that requires individuals to become part of organizational politics in addition to their qualifications and achievements. Leadership positions are roles that most employees want to achieve in every firm. The traditional path to leadership entails being the best in what one does and having leadership skills. It requires individuals to get used to the politics involved in becoming a leader and using it to one’s benefit. The political dynamics in every organization are unique, and every employee seeking a leadership position should learn and use organizational politics to achieve their goals (Marcus 3). Women are not exempted from organizational politics when it comes to leadership. More women have the qualifications and leadership attributes to gain a leadership position. However, their ability to master corporate politics and use it effectively to attain and maintain leadership positions will always be the distinguishing factor. Therefore, women should expect to navigate the same environment as men when looking for leadership positions.
Conclusion
The conditions for women in the workplace have improved significantly over the past few decades as more women are employees and in leadership positions. The conditions in most companies are suitable for women to work. Accommodations have been made to motivate women to leadership roles. However, women should expect that the attainment of leadership responsibilities in organizations is accompanied by the expectation that they can create relationships with stakeholders and use organizational politics to attain positions. The expectations are similar to men’s even when accommodations are being made to ensure more inclusivity in the workplace.
Works Cited
Damaske, Sarah. For the Family?: How Class and Gender Shape Women’s Work. Oxford University Press, 2011.
Marcus, Bonnie R. The Politics of Promotion: How High-Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2015.