Women in the public service - a thirty-year perspective

Article Abstract:

Over the last thirty years, there has been a substantial improvement in the representation of women throughout the federal public service. The expectations of and about women in the workplace have also changed immeasurably. However, there are still important differences in the way men and women deal with their environment. The different ways in which men and women are socialized continue to have an impact on women's experience in the workplace. There are still too many places in the public service where a traditional "competitive" (some would say "male") approach to management prevails. The contrasting "integrative" style of management, which values team-building, participation, responsiveness, and the ability to integrate various points of view, more closely reflects the way in which many women have been socialized and behave in the work environment. It is also the style valued in "well-performing organizations." In addition, there are important differences in the way many men and women communicate. These differences can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding, and, in a culture where "toughness" is valued, this can sometimes result in men underestimating the competence and effectiveness of women. What is required is for management to move beyond employment equity, where the emphasis is on increasing the representation of women and minorities, to a focus on valuing and managing the diversity that women and minority groups bring to the workplace, so that full advantage can be taken of the variety of perspectives, skills and abilities of all employees. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

History

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Perspectives on women's issues

Article Abstract:

Legal recognition of women as "persons" nearly seventy years ago has not guaranteed that the perspective of women has been reflected in government policies and programs. This paper discusses the need for ongoing and systematic review of government policies and program to ensure that adequate consideration is given to women's perspective and to encourage women's participation in government processes. Based on the practical experience of a former provincial politician who also served as minister responsible for women in the Alberta cabinet, examples are provided that demonstrate how reform may be brought about. Only through continuing political support at the highest levels, as well as political willingness to act on these commitments, can such reform be sustained. Notwithstanding progress made in the 1980s, the period of budget cutbacks in the 1990s often placed policies and programs that affected women in greater jeopardy than other programs. It is concluded that governments are doing less for women today than they were a decade ago. But, in the spirit of upholding the role of women in society, the Famous Five Foundation was established recently in Calgary, with the long-term objective of operating an institute dedicated to the systematic review of policies and programs from the perspective of women. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Investment offices, not elsewhere classified, Analysis, Canada, Social policy, Civil service reform

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