The feminization of values...

Whether you call it Yin/Yang –Chinese philosophy- or Animus/Anima –Jung’s archetypes-, the idea of the feminine/masculine nature of things is not new. Because women attach a great importance to social goals in their work: relationships and collaboration, helping others and the environment in which they live, sociologist Geert Hofstede called these goals feminine goals.

When women are empowered, they influence and “feminize” societies and economies in a positive way, and this becomes a virtuous circle. Small entrepreneurship and policy making seem to be the route to empowerment.
As beneficiary of microcredit loans in developing countries, women put particular emphases in developing their communities as a whole.
As part of policy making bodies in Nordic countries (>45% of parliament in Sweden, even more at local community levels), they have contributed to shape a unique collaborative approach.

Interestingly enough –and hopefully for you guys!-, Geert Hofstede points out that what he calls feminine goals and values in the work place are not a female exclusivity, and that differences exist between women and between men across nations. However, differences are narrower between women worldwide than they are between men. –Vikings, if I remember well, turn out to be the most feminine males, and American women, among the most masculine females-.

As the world becomes flatter and corporate social responsibility gains ground the values and goals that drive the corporate world are “feminizing”. Leaders are required to have more social and relationship skills. The increased role of women in management and leadership position will probably follow. It is yet a lengthy process, and will probably not be a landslide, as even countries like Sweden despite their huge percentage of women in policy making have a very low percentage of women in leadership positions. Why they don’t go there although they have the most “gender equal” society, is another story. Linked to the motivation to exert an influence where they feel it will be the most “useful”?