Instead of simply assimilating women into the existing corporate culture of the financial services industry, a true commitment to changing the structural and cultural status quo is needed.
the asset management industry is one that has heralded many successes, but it could be said that gender diversity is not one of them. With a McKinsey study revealing that only one-fifth of women in the industry are in executive positions globally, the status quo around the industry is one that is rooted in outdated beliefs about a female’s prominence in it. As a result, the financial sector’s pervasive business model is one that has made it difficult for women to progress professionally.
Another point of contention is whether this gender imbalance is being addressed with innovation and urgency – both from a moral perspective and a commercial one.
It would be easy to assume that gender diversity fits within a “nice-to-have” category, but social development and the modern client would challenge that assumption and say that it’s a “need-to-have”. If culture is one that places more focus on maintaining the current state of affairs rather than improving inclusion, then trust and loyalty will be compromised as a consequence.
The bad news is that a true commitment has not yet been made by the South African financial services industry, but the good news is that this can change.
Invisible, but pervasive
Denne historien er fra 19 July 2018-utgaven av Finweek English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 19 July 2018-utgaven av Finweek English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
