Research Proposal: Women Leaders' Performance in Top 50 ASX Companies

This report is a research proposal focused on the performance of women as leaders in the top 50 ASX companies over the last two years. It examines the existing literature on women's leadership, organizational profitability, and good performance metrics. The proposal includes an introduction outlining the problem statement, which highlights the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the importance of investigating their performance. The aim and objectives are clearly defined, along with research questions that explore the correlation between women's leadership and profitability, as well as a comparison of their performance with male leaders. The conceptual framework covers women's leadership styles, company profitability, and performance comparisons. The methodology section outlines the use of secondary qualitative and quantitative data, along with data analysis techniques. The report also includes a project organization, budget, and schedule, along with a list of references.

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Abstract
The key purpose of this investigation is to address "performance of women as a leader of the top 50 ASX
companies over the last 2 years". This section has considered many sections which are usually known as
introduction, conceptual framework, research methodology, and project plan in favor of the concern. This
section is making liable to the researcher to make a basic knowledge about investigation concern.
Moreover, literature review section is significant to gather depth data for research issue. This study is
significant to obtain theoretical facts related to women's leadership. Moreover, this report demonstrates the
organizational profitability. The research methods section demonstrates different methods which are
considered by the researcher during performing this investigation. In this study, the researcher has selected
data from ASX website caused of obtaining depth data with respect to investigation concern.

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Table of Contents
Abstract....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................4
Background of the study..........................................................................................................................................4
Problem of the statement.........................................................................................................................................5
Aim and objectives and research questions..............................................................................................................5
Research questions..................................................................................................................................................5
Justification of the research.....................................................................................................................................6
Potential of the outcome..........................................................................................................................................6
Conceptual Framework................................................................................................................................................6
Women Leadership..................................................................................................................................................6
Profitability of the company....................................................................................................................................7
Good performance...................................................................................................................................................8
PE Ratio & Dividend Yield.....................................................................................................................................9
Performance comparison in men and women..........................................................................................................9
Research Methodology..............................................................................................................................................11
Secondary Qualitative & Quantitative Data...........................................................................................................11
Data Analysis........................................................................................................................................................12
Research Project Organization Budget and Schedule............................................................................................12
Organization of the Study..................................................................................................................................12
Project Schedule........................................................................................................................................................14
Project Budget...........................................................................................................................................................15
References.................................................................................................................................................................16

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Introduction
The problem that the global business world poses for women leadership makes it crucial to conduct
research on the performance of women leadership. Women are making progress in the business field but
despite the progress, still there are inequalities present in the labour markets (Mastercard, 2018).
There are many reasons for which women are not getting leadership position and among those reasons
there is a perception that is women do not have features and the abilities of a leader is most crucial one
(Simona & George, 2018). This investigation will contribute to current literature by establishing causes of
finding difficulties to get a leadership position as a woman. According to a research done in United States,
there is evidence that female leadership can increase profitability but there is robust evidence that female
leadership is associated with higher profitability (States News Service, 2016). Therefore, this study
purports to discover the performance of women as a business leadership in the Australian context.

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Background of the study
Women are usually making its leadership occurrence felt in the entrepreneurship, education health, as well
as global stages. In addition, it is stated that women resolved for breaking old-style glass for the ceiling
which barred them by entering into the leadership positions event if it is possessed necessary skills as well
as talent for occupying them Cook & Glass (2014). The individual is continually developing as well as
reaching new signs across a wide range of human acts in the current period. The global has witnessed the
advent of female leaders named Indra Nooyi, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christine Lagarde, Oprah Winfrey,
and Theresa May. Each company has nee as team leader of its size as well as purposes. In addition, it is
evaluated that the leaderless company is the machine as well as the disorder men. This country without
anarchy leadership in society without leadership is violent as well as a dangerous place for living. The
team leader is an individual that attracts as well as encourages a team of an individual to work about goal
realization (Geertshuis Morrison & Cooper-Thomas, 2015). In existing time, it is significant for an
organization to understand women's leadership caused by increasing the performance of the firm.
Problem of the statement
On the other side, stated the female CEO usually prefers creating as well as leading organizational
constructions which facilitates all the work in the collegial environment. Moreover, it is illustrated that
organizational structure overlooks experience as well as an understanding of seasoned workforces as well
as executive. It is examined that generally are critical of hierarchical organizational structures. It is
illustrated that for working with individuals with typical female characteristics (George, 2018). Female
CEO always support for promoting as well as collaboration amongst team groups (Commonwealth
Government of Australia, 2019).

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Aim and objectives and research questions
The main aim of this study is to evaluate women performance as a leader of top 50 ASX companies over
last 2 years. The following objectives are meeting by the researcher in obtaining reliable data with respect
to investigation concern:
 To comprehend meaning and concept of women leadership
 To explore the role of women leadership in improving organizational performance
 To recommended different approaches for improving the women's leadership in improving
organizational performance.
Research questions
This investigation aims to respond below research questions:
 What is correlation between women leadership and profitability about top 50 ASX firms?
 Are women performing good enough to lead a company in relation to generate profit for the
company?
 As a leader of the company, are women performing better than men in relation to generate profit?
Justification of the research
This research would be effective in comprehending women's leadership. This study is effective in
comprehending the role of women leadership in improving organizational performance. In last, this
section could also effective in diverse strategies for improving the women's leadership in improving
organizational performance. This research is effective for critically evaluating correlation between women
leadership and profitability of the top 50 ASX companies which is not completed before.

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Potential of the outcome
This study will be supportive to evaluate the performance of women as a leader about top 50 ASX
companies over last 2 years. This section could be significant in making reliable data about investigation
matter.
Conceptual Framework
Women Leadership
In oppose to this, Hoyt & Murphy (2016) illustrated that leadership not gender particular. This is the set of
leadership qualities cultivated in the individual in the person that create themselves into the great team
leader within the mass following. CEO could be either man as well as women. In addition, it is the men as
well as women mostly present distinctly leadership styles. In this, it is illustrated that there are different
elements that are considered in leadership styles named transformational leadership style, task-focused
leadership, prefer to work in the environment (Barlett, 2009). It is illustrated that female CEO more
transformational as compared to men CEO. This function is significant in collecting data on investigation
concern. It is illustrated that these female CEO motivate their group as well as spent a lot of time coaching
its group. It could take a lot towards its individual development. The female CEO is concentrating on
authentic communication which is the success key. It is illustrated that most of the female CEO, the
leadership is meant only for meeting companies' goals but for their transforming their followers into a
better individuals. In addition, it is examined that female CEO are invariably concentrated on the task
completion assigned in deadlines. With respect to the operational stage, affecting day to day for tasks are
necessary for ensuring smooth operative company function.
On the other side, Bongiorno, Bain, & David, (2014) stated that female CEO tend to possess as well as
participatory a democratic approach of leading individuals. Female CEO could indirectly communicate
with its expectation of given organizational as well as permits more space in meeting the goals. It could

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support female CEO to use their skills as well as skills to meet the task. The organization could support
declining drawbacks for meeting the organizational task.
Profitability of the company
The top 50 firms on ASX has raised profits from combined $61.3bn to $120.8bn in financial period of
2017. The mining sector has contributed higher in this part with the raises in profits of $27.7bn. Moreover,
miners have reported that their lowest annual impairment charges since the year of 2011 as a recovery in
the commodity rates that is appearing to have declined pressure of valuation on the mining projects. Along
with this, impairment charges for 1 year with $1.1 billion and it was effectively minimum as compared to
$15.8 billion in relative time (Morganmckinley, 2020).
In spite of increasing the overall revenues and profits, report addressed that it was mixed year for ASX50.
Along with this, revenues have raised for about 63% of ASX50 firms (Morganmckinley, 2020).
(Sources: CommBank, 2020).
The above table demonstrated that miners sector is increased by the revenue of 13%. The energy as well
as utilities has been increased by 6% of the revenue.

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Good performance
(Sources: Market index, 2020).
The above chart demonstrated that the performance of ASX has been increased by 2016 to 2020 that
demonstrated that growth of organization. This showed that positive growth of business. This also
demonstrated that good performance of ASX 50.
PE Ratio & Dividend Yield
It is identified that fundamental information for S&P/ASX 50 Index is weight-adjusted through market
capitalization. Firms with unfavorable and zero values are avoided.
(Sources: CommBank, 2020).

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From the above table, it can be concluded that the PE ratio has been higher that demonstrate growth of the
company as it means that ASX organization has improved performance. There are most of the firms in
ASX50 that pay above-average dividends. There are also rebalances exists quarterly as well as, constituent
turnover is lower. In addition to this, its size as well as, liquidity creates the index feasible for all but the
number of aggressive portfolios (CommBank, 2020).
Performance comparison in men and women
This comparison is completed on the basis of different factors named as gender, experiences, skills, and
talents. Following are some points that indicate that there is a minimum number of women in the top roles
as compared to men in ASX50 companies:
● There are 96% of Chairmen of Board are belongs to the male category while only 4% of them are
considered in the female category in the Top 50 ASX.
● There are also 80% of Board Members are fall under the male category whereas only 20% of the
female category comes in the Top 50 ASX (Morganmckinley, 2020).
● There are 84% of Senior Leaders who belongs to the male category while only 16% of female among
them in Top 50 ASX.
● There are 94% of CEO comes under male category while only 6% of female comes under top 50
ASX.
● There is 98% of CFO belongs to the male category whereas, only 2% of them come under the female
category in the Top 50 ASX (ASX, 2020).
After a comparison between financial services and commerce & industry field, it is found that financial
services are sound that better demonstrated with the female leaders at 23% as compared to male i.e. 15%.
There are different reports who shows the statistics for representing the women in top 50 ASX listed

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firms. Although, there are different corporate Australia that is considered diversity strategies as well as,
gender equity and it is developed by ASX although there is slow progress.
In the top 50 ASX listed firms, female representation is still negligible while focusing on statistics
however what is pleasing to demonstrate is that this topic is currently highly considered in agenda as well
as, highly considered as compared to previous time periods (Morganmckinley, 2020). It is identified that
diversity is key field of focus for different firms in specifically influencing and developing the female
class into senior leadership positions. It is recommended that there is favorable link among business
performance as well as, gender diversity. It is appreciated that diversity in experiences, competencies,
talents, and experiences could deliver significant value to firm. The company needs to make a unique
position for ensuring the firm is secured and creates a distinct category of talent in terms of safeguarding
the future success of businesses (Morganmckinley, 2020).
Research Methodology
The research methodology could support to understand several research techniques that are incorporated
by investigator named as data collection, data strategies, research methods, data evaluation tool, and
sampling tool. The research methodology can be effective in choosing feasible research tools caused by
achieving aim of investigation concern (Carton, Murphy, & Clark, 2014). This study has considered a
secondary data collection tool for meeting the research purpose. In this, the researcher practiced many
sources like textbooks, online sources, articles, and offline sources for collecting the conceptual data
related to investigation matter. Furthermore, it is illustrated that the literature review section can support to
meet the research task. In addition, literature review section can be significant in collecting data regarding
task of the company (Karelaia & Guillén, 2014).

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Secondary Qualitative & Quantitative Data
In research, qualitative and quantitative data tool is practiced for getting reliable data with respect to
investigation purpose. In this, investigator has selected a quantitative method caused by getting conceptual
data related to investigation concern. Moreover, quantitative information is gathered by considering
several sources such as articles, books, online sources, which are practiced caused by getting information
about research issue (Hekman, Johnson, Foo, & Yang, 2017). In the study, the secondary information
method is obtained by ASX websites. It will be gathered by getting reliable information towards research
matter.
With respect to obtain list to 50 ASX organizations, ASX web will be practiced as well as list of top 50
ASX organizations would be created. In addition, information of net as well as CEO gender of top 50
ASX organizations from last 2 years that would be gathered by annual functions of organizations. In
addition, it is examined that once information is obtained; those information would be organized by
considering different methods.
Data Analysis
Data analysis section can be significant in gathering information about research matter. The data
evaluation section sector considers different methods that are considered such as qualitative information
tools (Harris & McMahan, 2015). In this study, the researcher practiced content analysis tool by which
information is evaluated and supported to make appropriate conclusion towards investigation matter.
This method is practiced because this tool aids the researcher to meet the company’s task. Herein, data
evaluation could permit the investigator for offering valid as well as reliable research. In this, the
investigator could imply some tools in evaluating collected data named as a content evaluation tool
(O'Brien, 2015).

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Research Project Organization Budget and Schedule
Organization of the Study
The organization of this research considered several sections such as introduction, literature review (LR),
research methodology (RM), data analysis, and conclusion and recommendation. The following sections
could be entailed by the researcher caused by meeting their study aim:
Introduction section
This section deeply evaluates different sections, which are considered as research evaluation, study
background, study questions, aim as well as objectives. It is used for creating knowledge of the study
subject. The initial section offers depth knowledge of the study's significance. Hence, the data of this
section is beneficial for examining the method of the research to evaluate the method of the research as
well as addressing the study effectively (Zhang, Li, Ullrich, & van Dick, 2015).
Literature Review
This section of the study is effective in evaluating topics and collecting theoretical information about the
research matter by using diverse tools. From this section, the researcher facilitates to evaluate existing
information about study matter. It is examined the researcher could entail diverse sources such as online
and offline sources, books, and journals. In this, the investigator could be able to obtain theoretical
information towards study matter. It is imperative for the researcher in examining gaps as well as building
the base in executing secondary study techniques (Gipson, et al., 2017).
Research Methodology
The research methodology is third section to examine different tools as well as methods with respect to
meet the study in an ethical manner. The research could consider different sections named research
approaches, strategies, information-gathering tools, data examination tools which are practiced by the
investigator. These tools are practiced by the researcher with respect to ensure the outcome suitableness.

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Herein, the study tool determines aim as well as research topics. It is imperative in getting a particular
matter (Peus, et al., 2015).
Data Analysis and Findings
In this section of research, researcher evaluates the gathered data. It examines the effective mode of the
researcher with respect to the classification of collected information as well as evaluates them as oppose to
each aim. This section permits the researcher to control as well as examines information rationally by
using a feasible information technique. By using this section, an investigator would be competent to gather
the data with respect to an effective manner as well as gathers accurate results (Hannum, et al., 2015).
Conclusion and Recommendation
This is last chapter by which researcher makes capable to summarize research on behalf of findings as
well as the discussion. This is requisite of making a link between study objectives and findings that would
be effective for the researcher for arriving at suitable as well as accurate summary. It also offers proposals
about marketing approach with respect to satisfying consumers. In the end, this section is effective for
evaluating practical examination, as well as clues, prospect the investigator for making further study
(Harwiki, 2016).
Project Schedule
The project schedule supports to make an effective plan in making a reliable conclusion. There are
different research acts which are discussed by the following table:
Research
acts/time
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Week
9
Research aim
and
objectives

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Literature
review (LR)
Data
collection
methods
Data
evaluation
methods
Sampling
method
selection
Proofreading
Final writing
From the above table, it can be stated that different factors could be considered by investigator such as aim
and objectives of research, literature review, data collection methods, data evaluation methods, sampling
method selection, proofreading, and final writing. From this, it is addressed that the data gathering
technique could take longer period as compared to other investigation activities.
Project Budget
For completing the project budget, the researcher decided $2500. The investigator selects diverse acts
named as an introduction, literature review, and research design. The following costs are entailed in study:
Research acts Time
Introduction $500

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Literature review $500
Research methodology $500
Data evaluation $1000
The above table could consider different sections named as an introduction, literature review, research
methodology, data examination. In this, the researcher has taken $1000 for the data examination. The data
evaluation technique could take maximum cost as compared to other research activities.

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References
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Barlett, K. T. (2009). Making Good on Good Intentions: The Critical Role of Motivation in Reducing
Implicit Workplace Discrimination. Virginia Law Review, 95 (8): 1893–1972. Chandler, D. (2011). What
Women bring to the Exercise of Leadership. Journal of Strategic, 3 (2): 1– 12.
Bongiorno, R., Bain, P. G., & David, B. (2014). If you're going to be a leader, at least act like it! Prejudice
towards women who are tentative in leader roles. British Journal of Social Psychology, 53(2), 217-234.
Carton, A. M., Murphy, C., & Clark, J. R. (2014). A (blurry) vision of the future: How leader rhetoric
about ultimate goals influences performance. Academy of Management Journal, 57(6), 1544-1570.
CommBank. (2020). ASX top 50 almost double yearly profits. Retrieved from:
Commonwealth Government of Australia. (2019). Women in Leadership. Retrieved from Workplace
Gender Equality Agency: https://www.wgea.gov.au/topics/women-in-leadership
Cook, A., & Glass, C. (2014). Women and top leadership positions: Towards an institutional
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Geertshuis, S. A., Morrison, R. L., & Cooper-Thomas, H. D. (2015). It’s not what you say, it’s the way
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leader-member exchange and performance ratings. International Journal of Business
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George, T. S. (2018). Women in Business Leadership. “Ovidius” University Annals, Economic Sciences
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A442715957&v=2.1&it=r&sidAONE&asid=71c9b110.

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Gipson, A. N., Pfaff, D. L., Mendelsohn, D. B., Catenacci, L. T., & Burke, W. W. (2017). Women and
leadership: Selection, development, leadership style, and performance. The Journal of Applied Behavioral
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Hannum, K. M., Muhly, S. M., Shockley-Zalabak, P. S., & White, J. S. (2015). Women leaders within
higher education in the United States: Supports, barriers, and experiences of being a senior
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Harris, C. M., & McMahan, G. C. (2015). The influence of compensation on leader human capital and unit
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Harwiki, W. (2016). The impact of servant leadership on organization culture, organizational
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Hekman, D. R., Johnson, S. K., Foo, M. D., & Yang, W. (2017). Does diversity-valuing behavior result in
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Hoyt, C. L., & Murphy, S. E. (2016). Managing to clear the air: Stereotype threat, women, and
leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 27(3), 387-399.
https://www.commbank.com.au/guidance/investing/asx-top-50-almost-double-yearly-profits-201711.html
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Morganmckinley. (2020). It's a Man's World in the Top 50 ASX Listed Companies. Retrieved from:
https://www.morganmckinley.com.au/article/its-mans-world-top-50-asx-listed-companies
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