Gender Bias in Organisations: From the Arts to Individualised Coaching

Description

Government and organisational policies are not enough to challenge socially constructed expectations towards gender. Arts based methods derived from sensemaking, metaphors and storytelling can support women in modifying behaviours triggered by gender stereotype threat and help them cope better in the gendered workplace. The aim of the book is to challenge the contemporary approach of mainstreaming gender in organisations. Starting with individuals’ life stories and workplace experiences to understand the common challenges for individuals and organisations, the authors review how women respond to those challenges through strategic choice, and consequences both for the individual and the organisational impact. This book presents two types of arts inspired workshops: sensory and metaphorical engagement as well as storytelling theatre. Gender Bias in Organisations: From the Arts to Individualised Coaching discusses how gender mainstreaming initiatives have failed and proposes an individualised coaching approach based on arts-based methodology for mediating gender stereotype in the workplace. It will be of interest to researchers, academics, and students in the areas of gender, work and organisation. Cover Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Figure List of Tables List of Images List of Poems List of Vignettes About the Authors Preface 1 Towards Workplace Gender Equality: An Introduction 1.1 Social and Economic Participation of Women 1.2 Potential of Arts-Based Methods in Supporting workplace Equality 1.3 Theories Supporting An Arts-Based Methods Approach 1.3.1 Sense-Making 1.3.2 Reflexive Practice 1.4 Our Arts-Inspired Research Design 1.4.1 Data Collection and Analysis 1.4.2 Participants 2 Promises and Pitfalls of Gender Mainstreaming 2.1 Responses to Gender Inequality in the Workplace 2.1.1 Policies, Systems and Processes 2.1.2 Human Resource Development and Gender 2.1.3 Management Theories and Practice 2.2 What Is Wrong With Gender Mainstreaming? 2.3 So What Next? 3 Gendered Behaviour and Career Pathways 3.1 The Social Construct of Gender 3.1.1 Social Role Theory 3.2 Influences of Gendered Roles 3.2.1 Education and Career Influences 3.3 Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace 3.3.1 Gender Stereotype Threat and Its Implications 3.4 Gender Stereotypes, Leadership Style and Career Advancement 3.4.1 Balancing Agentic and Communal Attributes 3.4.2 Setting High Standards 3.4.3 Early Career Influences 3.4.4 Organisational Culture 3.5 Impact On Career Pathways 4 Workshops and Their Outcomes 4.1 Workshop Design 4.1.1 Workshop One – ‘sense-Making’ 4.1.2 Workshop Two – ‘mythodrama’ 4.2 Insights From the Workshops and Post-Workshop Interviews 4.2.1 Creating a Safe Place to Explore Gender 4.2.2 Self-Developed Learning 4.2.3 The Emotional Impact of Gendered Behaviours 4.2.4 Facing the Gender Stereotype Threat 4.2.4.1 Reaffirmation of Self-Worth 4.2.4.2 Increased Self-Efficacy 4.3 Evaluation and Room for Improvement 5 Moving Forward: Gender, Arts-Based Interventions and Coaching 5.1 The Concept of ‘self’ and ‘others’ 5.2 From Workshops and Interviews to Coaching Interventions 5.3 Positive Psychology in Coaching 5.4 Narrative and Storytelling 5.5 Metaphor 5.6 Mindfulness and Sensory Engagement 5.7 Concluding Reflections 5.8 The Future Appendix 1: Case Studies A.1 Jennifer’s Story A.1.1 Overview A.1.2 Career History A.1.3 New Opportunities A.1.4 Reflection A.2 Samantha’s Story A.2.1 Overview A.2.2 A Difficult Early Career A.2.3 Doubt and Isolation A.2.4 Removing Negative Judgements of Self A.2.5 Reflection A.3 Linda’s Story A.3.1 Overview A.3.2 Background A.3.3 Experiences in a Male- dominated Culture A.3.4 Starting to Question A.3.5 Increased Self-reflection and Removal of Negative Judgement of Others A.3.6 Reflection A.4 Kayley’s Story A.4.1 Overview A.4.2 Early Career History A.4.3 An Opportunity to Prove Herself A.4.4 Macho Management and Post- heroic Leadership Traits A.4.5 Hiding Behind the Sword A.4.6 Reflection A.5 Justine’s Story A.5.1 Overview A.5.2 Early Career A.5.3 Stepping into a New Challenge A.5.4 The Situation Came to a Head A.5.5 Negative Judgement of Others A.5.6 Re-affirming Self- worth A.5.7 Reflection Appendix 2: Glossary of Key Terms References Index