Women engineers are underrepresented in the economy, and they have fewer career opportunities than men. In this project the researchers analyse the influence of company culture and formal and informal company recruiting and promotion practices on the careers of women engineers.
Background
Engineering professions are still the most male-dominated professions. Gender differences in the male ”territory” of technology are a global problem; however, Switzerland is one of the countries where the percentage of women engineers is below the EU average already at the level of university studies. Women engineers continue to be underrepresented in companies. Career entry is more difficult for women engineers, and their careers advance more slowly and less far than their male colleagues’.
Aim
The project examines the effect of company cultures in the Swiss economy on the careers of women engineers. The study focuses on how formal and informal company practices of recruiting and promoting women engineers have fostering or hindering effects for women. For this purpose the researchers will conduct case studies in seven companies and a representative survey of men and women engineers. Based on the findings the researchers aim to determine how the gender relations of companies can be changed and how career entry and the careers of women engineers can be improved using existing and new instruments. Beyond that, the researchers will launch dialogue between science and the economy on this topic.
Significance
The study is directed at decision makers in the private sector; prospective and working female and male engineers; universities; professional, interest and trade associations; and researchers. It will develop practical knowledge and recommendations for the equality of women and men in engineering in the private sector and will provide a basis for complementing or modifying existing policy strategies in gender equality. The analysis and removal of labour market obstacles seems important, as this is a signal to young women in their university studies and career choice phase, and it is what keeps well-educated women in their profession.
Original title: “TransformIng” - Analyse der Rekrutierungs- und Förderpraktiken von Unternehmen hinsichtlich genderspezifischer kultureller Hemmnisse und Förderfaktoren
Grant: CHF 299‘907.-
Duration: 34 months
Project leaders
- Dr. Heinz Rütter, Rütter + Partner, Sozioökonomische Forschung und Beratung, Rüschlikon
- Anja Umbach-Daniel, Rütter + Partner, Sozioökonomische Forschung und Beratung, Rüschlikon