Should companies make special arrangements for women leaders with children?
Much has been said about Governor Palin having her kids at work. All moms struggle with making sure their kids are in good hands while they are at work. Even when dads help out – and they do help out much more than they did fifty years ago - women are still the main caregivers even when they may be holding full-time jobs.
Some women would like to change some of the rules so as to be more competitive at work and yet, this raises some concerns for unfair advantages. Should women be able to bring their child to work? If so, should their male counterparts be able to do the same? In fairness, both men and women may benefit from having day care availability close to work as this has enabled parents do a better job while they trust those who take care of their kids while they earn their living for the benefit of their families.
Food for thought,
- If a job is designed as a full-time job and a man works sixty hours a week while his female colleague works only forty hours and he produces more than she does, is it fair for him to get the promotion over her?
- Is there any difference between a very effective executive woman bringing her child to work and splitting her attention between doing her work and being distracted by having her kid at work in contrast with a very effective executive male doing his job while being distracted watching a football game at the office while he’s working?
- Do you feel the rules of the game should change at work so that women can be chosen for leadership positions or do you think both men and women should compete in a fair game and let the best win?