Study: Carmakers Don’t Do Enough to Attract Women to Industry

About 19 in 20 business leaders agree the auto industry needs the diversity of thought and experience gained by increasing its proportion of women executives. But only 10% of the companies represented believe they are doing enough to produce meaningful change.

So says an executive survey by consultants EY of 350 executives from 51 countries and six industries. The sample includes 50 male and female leaders in the automotive sector.

Randy Miller, who heads EY’s automotive industry sector, says bolstering the ranks of female executives represent a strategic advantage for companies grappling with the uncertainties of today’s auto industry. Some 90% of companies agree, saying they need to dramatically change their approach to attracting, retaining and promoting women. But only 12% of employers expect their ratio of women executives will improve significantly over the next five years.

The study finds plenty of disconnects in how executives perceive the gender issue. One example: Three in five respondents say their company’s leadership already has sufficient diversity. Yet half admit their companies don’t even track the measurement on any level.

The survey also shows dramatic differences in perception between men and women about issues that would help women reach senior leadership. Men are far more likely than women to believe in the importance of flexible work arrangements and the existence of strong female role models in the workplace.

In terms of barriers to advancement, the report says men are eight times more likely to cite a shortage of female candidates and conflicts with raising a family.