ABSTRACT
The gender equality at all areas of life and work is the focus of European Union and its fundamental value. Gender balance is important from both, macroeconomic and microeconomic perspective, where, among other aspects, the positive correlation between the share of women at the companies’ decision-making positions and the companies’ performance exists. But causes for the underrepresentation of women in decision-making processes and positions within organizations are multidimensional and complex. Purpose of the present research is to analyze the gender equality at decision-making positions within organizations in Slovenia in more depth, with three major objectives: (i) to analyze the gender difference regarding the perceived equality of genders in the organizations at the decision-making positions; (ii) to analyze the gender differences regarding reconciliation of private and professional life of female and male managers; and (iii) to investigate the opinion of female and male managers regarding possible/feasible measures to achieve gender equality in decision-making positions in the economy. A survey with random sample of female and male managers of medium-sized and large companies in Slovenia was conducted. Research results suggest that the sociocultural attitudes toward women, that put women in the center of the family with all responsibilities in relation to that, seem not to have the negative effect on gender equality at decision-making positions in organizations in Slovenia. Research results suggest that system-imposed barriers are more influential and refer especially to those at the company level, such as unclear or vague career advancement criteria leading to biased decision regarding career promotions and opinions regarding women’s career potential. Research brings several policy implications for policy makers as well as for business practice.
