In developing and developed nations, women in key decision-making roles increase economic growth, GDP.

By Cari Guittard (Founding Principal, Global Engagement Partners)

For all that women have accomplished over the years and for all the shattered glass ceilings, in global careers and foreign policy positions there are still too few women. These statistics are all the more shocking given the reams of research on the positive, dramatic impact women have if they are in leadership positions.

Dr. Amanda Nimon-Peters, an Australian-born behavioral scientist whom I have worked with at the Hult International Business School in Dubai, outlines the impact women in leadership have on decision-making in a powerful speech she gives entitled “When Women Lead, the World Improves” –

She cites current research which suggests women in leadership roles – whether in families, communities, or private sector companies – make dramatic, lasting, and measurable improvements. In developing and developed nations, she shares that women in key decision-making roles increase economic growth and GDP. In companies, particularly when women serve on corporate boards, there is demonstrably higher returns on investment and capital, as well as higher revenues reported overall, irrespective of industry.

Additionally, in research cited recently in a Harvard Business Review blog “Are Women Better Leaders than Men?”, women rated higher than men in fully 12 out of 16 core competencies that go into outstanding leadership –

There is also evidence to suggest that when women are part of a team, the group is more effective.

» Read the full article at USC Center on Public Diplomacy.