It seems that Norway isn’t just talking about more women serving on boards and in the executive office, it is legislating it.
A story from the Guardian Unlimited in the UK reports that Norway has passed a law that requires companies to replace men with women.
“Last year, the Norwegian parliament passed a bill forcing private firms to have at least 40% women on their boards. Companies had until July to boost participation
of their own accord. If the numbers are insufficient, which the state will decide by August 15, sanctions will be applied and they won't just be a slap on the wrist.
"If they don't follow the rules, at the end of the day, they will be dissolved," said Ansgar Gabrielsen, the 50-year-old conservative politician who initiated the law when he was trade and industry secretary.”
of their own accord. If the numbers are insufficient, which the state will decide by August 15, sanctions will be applied and they won't just be a slap on the wrist."If they don't follow the rules, at the end of the day, they will be dissolved," said Ansgar Gabrielsen, the 50-year-old conservative politician who initiated the law when he was trade and industry secretary.”
I am sorry to say that I don’t think this meets the objective. Providing training, mentoring, networking and career paths to women makes sense. Offering incentives or tax rebates for businesses that choose to participate makes sense. But forcing by law and threatening penalties to force a company to fill a quota doesn’t not benefit the economy, the shareholders, the company or women. In free markets and the private sector, shareholders elect board members. Is this system perfect? Obviously not, but as shareholders, executives and board members see the value that women leaders bring to their businesses, they will appoint more women.
Read the entire story, “A woman's place is ... on the board” here.
I have to agree with you on this Hal. To legislate any group and forcibly remove another can offer no solution to a problem.
This is going to backfire big time in my estimation as legal action causes extreme tension between the men and women of Norway; and then any woman will be suspect if promoted because of talent rather than by legal threat.
Posted by: Gary | March 11, 2006 10:11 PM | Permalink to Comment