Question

Discuss one, of the many, reasons for the small numbers of female expatriates? What more can companies do to recruit and/or utilize their female employees as a resource for international management?

Answer 1

As per global data, women expatriates are only 14% of the total employees.Though this data doesn't work universally, it may vary from industry to industry and region to region but still nowhere the satisfactory percentage can be found. This signifies the gender disparity. Some of the reasons due to which this disparity persists-

Gender bias during selection due to misconception that women are not suitable for international relocations.

Due to lack of women employees who can be considered as experienced and qualified.

Due to lack of support system like family issues, managing multiple career and non flexible working arrangements.

Lack of opportunities and non visibility of existing expatriates as role model in the organization.

Traditional sex roles in society can be the major reason-

In our society, Men is considered as bread earner and women doesn't get any economic importance.Wives are supposed to follow the husband and his job locations.Whereas husbands are not likely to follow the job accomodation of their wives.And this discourage the wives to work as expatriates at international level.

Companies may take following steps to recruit female employees as a resource for international management-

Identifying the causes of the gender disparity and the issues which are discouraging women employees to deny the role of expatriate.

Considering the needs and the issues related to family and society of the women employees.

Fostering up the supportive culture and bringing transparency in company culture.