Stronger Together: A Call for Gender-Inclusive Leadership in Business Schools

Gender equity and inclusion has taken center stage in business, science, and policy making. We reflect on three systemic challenges that might hinder the rise of qualified women scholars to leadership positions in business schools: (a) The masculine social structure of business schools, (b) a muddled approach to performance evaluation, and (c) an under-representation of research topics that affect women in the workplace. Drawing on the extant science in gender bias and gender equity combined with the collective expertise and experience of the author team, we offer 12 actionable solutions for gender-inclusive leadership in business schools. We believe that addressing these challenges could benefit all members, not just women, because it could signal more equitable pathways to multiple business school stakeholders and intended beneficiaries, such as students, donors, practitioners, and policy makers.

Automated summary

Gender equity and inclusion are now prominent in business, science, and policymaking. However, there are three systemic challenges hindering the advancement of qualified women scholars to leadership positions in business schools: the masculine social structure, unclear performance evaluation, and lack of research on women in the workplace. By combining existing knowledge on gender bias and equity, along with the expertise of our author team, we propose 12 actionable solutions for gender-inclusive leadership in business schools. We believe addressing these challenges will benefit all stakeholders and intended beneficiaries, signaling more equitable pathways to success.