December 06, 2017
Gender diversity strengthens boards
The chair of the Federation of Maori Authorities says wahine Maori need to take the time to learn so they can take their place at the board table.
A new Diversity Dividend Report released this week estimated getting more women into leadership roles could boost the economy by more than $800 million a year.
Traci Houpapa says she is trying to change the business culture in the organisations she leads to embrace diversity in gender and culture.
She says people don’t know what they don’t know.
"Some of this is about taking time out to learn and to listen and to understand the environment. My advice to anyone who is wanting to come through and is wanting to make progress as a women into these organisations and entities is to put yourself there as a student and to take some time or make some time to learn and as importantly to listen," Ms Houpapa says.
Organisations need to create an environment where women, Maori, Pasifika and other diverse cultures feel comfortable about putting their hands up for leadership roles.
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