ORG 6700, Semester 2: Reflection Paper on Gender Diversity

This reflection paper examines the issue of gender diversity in the workplace, drawing insights from Sheryl Sandberg's video, "Why we have too few women leaders?". The paper highlights the disparity between the number of men and women in top positions, discussing societal expectations and their impact on women's career choices. The student reflects on the video's impact, recognizing the importance of self-assertion and challenging conventional norms. The paper connects the video's themes to leadership approaches, emphasizing responsible leadership, empathy, and the need for a more equitable gender ratio in the workplace. The conclusion underscores the importance of women prioritizing their goals and balancing family and career, while also dispelling the guilt associated with being career-oriented. The paper also references course materials related to diversity and inclusion.

Running head: REFLECTION PAPER ON GENDER DIVERSITY
Reflection Paper on Gender Diversity
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1REFLECTION PAPER ON GENDER DIVERSITY
Introduction
Gender diversity in the top strata of workplace is a growing concern among people in
the business environment. The video titled, “Why we have too few women leaders?” by
Sheryl Sandberg talks about the lack of women presence at the top positions all around the
world. There is a significant disparity between the number of men and women that are
currently working at the top of any profession. The societal expectations condition women to
prefer family over career and self-satisfaction and that is why achievements by women are
viewed in a negative sense. In this regard, women need to assert their position and take credit
for the job that they have done well, share household and career load equally among partners
and committing yourself to the job till one is ready to leave.
Learning from the video
The video features Sandberg and she talks about women population in general.
Women constitute about half of the world population but their position at the top is worrying.
Among the 190 heads of state in the world only nine are women and only 13% seats in
parliament are occupied by them. Even in corporate sector, they represent around 15% of the
corporate world. These percentages have not increased since 2002. Even in the non-profit
organizations, women representation is stuck at 20 percent. The demography also shows that
men at top position have more fulfilling life than women as around two thirds of those men
have children while only one third of women have children (Sandberg, 2010).
Self-reflection
By looking at the immediate reaction that I have I learn that at the first glance, I found
the speaker a powerful independent woman. She spoke about the women and how the self-
limit their own abilities and achievements. I have always believed that conforming to the
rules or requests of others are necessary and it shows better character but by listening to her

2REFLECTION PAPER ON GENDER DIVERSITY
and from the example where she says that in the audience, only men kept their hands up even
after her question sessions were over, tells me that maybe sometimes breaking the rules or
doing something because that pleases me rather than it will please others or because we are
supposed to could be my first step towards success. My assumption of rule conformation and
bias towards following others request was tested through this.
Leadership approach
The video inspires me to become a more responsible leader. Responsible leaders are
able to work with empathy and humanism, fairness and justice. I have realized that to become
a successful leader I must take responsibility of my actions and own up to things that I have
done. I also must be more democratic and contribute towards equal gender ratio in workplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that women now must set their priorities and
compartmentalize themselves in order to achieve the success that they desire. Family and job
could be balanced if planned properly and women need to lose the guilt for being career
oriented as it leads to dropout.

3REFLECTION PAPER ON GENDER DIVERSITY
References
Sandberg, S. (2010). Why we have too few women leaders [Video]. Retrieved from
https://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders/
transcript?language=en#t-878662