Women and the new business leadership
Peninah Thomson with Tom Lloyd
Palgrave Macmillan
RRP £26
Given that, currently, only 12.5% of Britain’s company directors are women, a book which addresses the gender imbalance in UK commerce is certainly justified – and Peninah Thomson certainly gets to the crux of this issue in Women and the New Business Leadership. The author has long been an ardent advocate of women in the boardroom, and here she outlines her arguments in eloquent detail.
Thomson tells us that the recession, in overturning conventional notions of corporate structure and responsible governance, can provide the catalyst for fundamental change, led by women – who, she says, are far more “transformational” than male leaders, and capable of rising above the problem of “groupthink”.
She pushes the messages that women can offer a different way of thinking, improve the quality of boardroom debate and make cool, clear decisions without worrying about personal status. In explaining the gender imbalance prevalent in boardrooms around the world, the author touches on a number of highly pertinent issues, including the inadequacy of business mentoring programmes, a negative perception of women who prioritise career over family, and the vicious circle which prevents women from entering boardrooms because they have no previous board experience.
Perhaps the book’s biggest failing is its design. While the front cover is efficiently smart, it’s clear little flair has been expended inside. The font and page layout are basic to say the least, and there is little colour beyond black, white and grey – which is a shame, because some of Thomson’s more powerful arguments would be significantly enhanced by a more vivid backdrop.
On the whole, however, this is a quick, sharp and enjoyable read. Far from being biased and bitter, the tone is fair, reasoned and realistic – and should give Britain’s business bosses plenty of food for thought.