Back to basics: Report claims work-life balance necessary in Bosnia to bring women to the top
In order for women being able to reach executive positions, work-life balance programmes are helpful says the ‘Women in Business’ report from Deloitte in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The auditing firm interviewed around one hundred men and women in executive positions in the most successful companies throughout the country. In total, they found that more flexible work options and performance evaluation systems are needed to neutralize the effects of women taking parental leave.
The findings and the discussion sounds familiar and refers back to numerous international studies, and it raises two questions: First, do experts rightly or wrongly assume that work/life integration is and should be a concern for both genders – also to avoid reinforcing stereotypes about female parenting roles. This would point to more a comprehensive understanding of barriers for women’s advancement, specifically including basic assumptions and corporate culture. Second, how does the result relate to earlier findings in the 1990s and 2000s that said that work/life integration was not as much of an issue in former socialist countries, given the (formerly) high employment rates of women and the related infrastructure.
A reality check reveals that in 2010 the employment rate of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 23.3% compared to 42.2% of men (according to the National Agency for Statistics). Most recent data show that the labour market has not improved significantly in the following year when the employment rate remained at a low 28.7%; the female participation in the labour market was only at 41.2%.
The Deloitte study also looked at qualitative aspects and found that women are seen as professional, possessing broad(er) knowledge, exceptional ethics, multitasking capabilities and focus on detail. The profile corresponds with the traditional perception of financial executives, manager and chief operation officer roles. On the other hand, men were found to be better in finding their way around the risks inherent to strategic planning and governance. The interviewees described them as good strategists and role catalysts (and hence with a function as change agents).
Regardless of the newest finding, Bosnia and Herzegovina will just like other countries need to consider on a holistic effort including work/life balance, an according legal and policy framework, institutional arrangements to foster the respective measures and probably a national Gender Action plan as well.
