Enhancing Gender Diversity in Organizations? An Indian Exploration

There has been increasing awareness on the benefits of a diversified workforce, and is being recognized as a strategic component of business. One of the largest under-represented groups that organizations have tapped in recent years has been women workforce. This study aims to explore the methods for increasing gender diversity in the organizations with the help of a qualitative survey method. The research was carried out on 21 students pursuing post graduate course from a well known university of North India. The interviews revealed a number of important ways: elimination of glass ceiling, inclusion of women in top management and leadership roles. These two methods were most talked about factors during the interviews. Provision of on-site facilities, child and elder care leaves, flexible working hours, work from home, safety and counseling facilities were the second most prominent methods as suggested by the participants for promoting gender workforce diversity. This study puts forward the necessity of enhancing the gender diversity concerns in India.