Feminizing the boardroom: A study of the effects of corporatization on the number and status of women directors in New Zealand companies

Abstract

Purpose

Changes to government policy, deregulation and corporatization in New Zealand have influenced the number and status of women on boards of directors. Using company records, archival material and interviews, this paper seeks to examine gender equity on boards of directors in New Zealand and compare the progress of women on the boards of corporate companies in the private sector with those on crown company boards in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes interview material from women who have successfully achieved directorships and examines the approaches they adopted. The paper uses company records and interviews to achieve this aim.

Findings

While increasing numbers of New Zealand women are entering the business arena, they continue to be underrepresented in the boardrooms and there exists a clear disparity between gender representation on the boards of crown and corporate companies with women being disadvantaged in the private sector.

Originality/value

The paper outlines some positive steps to assist women in the bid for corporate directorship, but suggests that the challenge of changing corporate and societal attitudes remains.

Citation

Shilton, J., McGregor, J. and Tremaine, M. (2010), "Feminizing the boardroom: A study of the effects of corporatization on the number and status of women directors in New Zealand companies", Gender in Management, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 275-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542411011048155