Transcript Dr. philos. Marit Hoel - Norwegische Botschaft in Berlin

The Gender Quota and the Gender Economics of the
Nordic Countries
Dr. philos. Marit Hoel
Frauenfrühstück, Nordische Botschaften, Berlin
March 8, 2011
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About us
Center for Corporate
Diversity, CCD, is a
Research and Advisory
Organization.
On behalf of the Ministry for
Trade and Industry, CCD
reviewed women board
directors and women
executive directors in ASA
companies in Norway for 6
years. (2003-2008).We also
study the 500 largest
companies in the Nordic
countries.
The Nordic 500 Projects
In 2004 CCD established the
Nordic 500 data base. Data
included a listing of the 500
largest companies in the five
Nordic Countries.
The research included the
representation of women
executive directors and
board directors. The second
Nordic 500 was published in
March 2009.
The Nordic 500 2009 Study
Women Board Directors in the Nordic 500 2009 study.
End of data registration: November 2008
Country
Women Board Directors
Total Number Board
Directors
Women Board Directors
%
Norway
229
732
31,3
Sweden
339
1550
21,9
Finland
114
678
16,8
Denmark
109
893
12,5
Total
792
3860
20,5
CCD Diversity Statement
The Nordic 500
“The Nordic countries have for more than 30 years applied
gender equality as a unique method of increasing the general
skill level and work life participation in the population. This
method has contributed to the growth of the economy and
development of Nordic societies.
Is it important for the future development of the Nordic
countries to expand this model to gain from the increased
diversity in corporate life”.
The Nordic Perspective
Nordic model of diversity and inclusiveness
•
40 years since women entered higher education in large numbers
•
Women were strongly included in the labour market
•
Investment in child care facilities
•
Gradual rise in birth rate compared to other Western economies
•
A strong belief that this model of inclusion and diversity can be
expanded and contribute to economic growth
CCD: Iceberg of Diversity
Effects of Diversity
Increased diversity representation on corporate boards
and management is viewed as a contribution to:
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Transparency
Innovative thinking:
The Quota Law
2002: The Norwegian quota law was
introduced by the conservative
Minister for Trade and Industry Mr.
Ansgar Gabrielsen. The law
regulates the corporate board. The
number of women board directors
was 6,8 %.
November 2003:The law passed in
Parliament.The public limited
companies (ASA companies) were
given a three year period to
voluntarily elect women board
directors to reach the 40 % target.
Complience
2005:
Companies have reached 17,8 %. The new
government (Stoltenberg) puts the law into
action January 1 2006.Companies now
must comply within two years.
However, companies can apply for a
dispensation if they are completely unable
to find persons with necessary skills, and
there are substantial reasons why they
should continue to exist as ASA
companies without complience.
ASA-companies 2007
CCD Data March 2007
510 ASA-companies: 9
months to comply
• 21,4 % of board directors were women
• 1/3 of the companies had reached the target
• 194 companies had no women on their boards
Fast change: Target reached
The status for all of the ASAcompanies, April 2008:
All in complience with the law
Number of companies dissolved: 0
Overall expectations
Expectations:
1. Negative: International companies will leave the
Oslo Stock Exchange
2. Company boards will suffer from loss of
competence and skills
3. Positive: Companies will recruit more women
CEO’s and female managers
4. Women will contribute and vitalize the board
discussion
The results so far
First results:
1. International companies are represented on the
Oslo Stock Exchange on the same level as
before the law was introduced.
2. In 2009 the Statistical Bureau showed that
because of board women’s educational level
the general level of education rose in the
board rooms.
3. CCD analysis show so far little increase in the
number of top executive women in quota
companies.
4. Chairs of quota company boards express
satisfaction with the women they recruited.
International effects
Implemented Quotas
Country
Included
Target
Time
Norway
PLC/state owned companies
40 %
2003
Spain
Companies 250+ employees
40%
2007
Iceland
50+ employees
40 %
2010
France*
Public Companies
40 %
2010
International effects
State Owned Companies Quotas
Country
Included
Finland
State owned companies
South Africa
State owned companies
Switzerland
State owned companies
Ireland
State owned companies
The next step in Nordic thinking
The Danish Presidency of the Nordic Council of
Ministers stated in 2009 that they in their
presidency would profile the Nordic principles of
corporate social responsibility with initiatives also
to enhance innovation.
Nordic in UN Global Compact
Country
Business Members
Total Number of
Members
Norway
50
60
Sweden
104
110
Iceland
4
4
Finland
26
27
Denmark
197
220
Date of registration
Time of registration
17.02.2011
Diversity and Innovation
www.ccdnorway.com
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