This example demonstrates ethical citing of sources, well-organized sections, an overall introduction that links the section to previous sections of the report, thoughtful use of data, and clear comparisons between the US and Norway. The writing also demonstrates good use of sentence variety and transitional phrases. Words in red indicate excellent topic sentences and appropriate reference to an exhibit.
Women in business
The ethical values of Norway’s business environment also contribute to the country’s pursuit of gender equality in the workplace.
Business Attire and Etiquette
The appearance of business women in Norway is relatively similar to that of the US, but more conservative. Business wear is typically unrevealing, comprised of suits, dresses or dress pants. Women’s attire should be of an equal degree of formality with men’s suits, ties, and sports jackets (Norway). While US women are encouraged to use cosmetics, women in Norway tend to wear little make-up or jewelry, presenting a more natural look (Norway country 634).
Norms for personal contact in Norway are comparable to the US. Personal touching is discouraged in the business setting, but it is customary for women to shake hands with men and women alike (Norway). Expatriates should consider this slightly more conservative attire and conduct during employment in Norway.
Roles of Women in Business
Norway has shown progress in reducing gender role inequality by not just seeking equality in the workplace but at home as well (Crompton & Harris 195). However, despite attempts to divide equally caregiving tasks, women continue to retain most of the responsibility for home and family. Men do not and expect to never participate as much as women in the home (Morkhagen).
Partially resulting from the domestic responsibilities, only 69% of women retain paid employment and 47% of these women work part-time. Many women find it necessary to work part-time to have enough energy for their expected domestic roles,. Consequently, women work an average of 30.4 hours per week compared to men’s average of 38.4 hours per week (Morkhagen; Crompton & Harris 190)
Women commonly choose positions in the public sector since these positions are abundant, secure and have family friendly policies allowing them to balance career and family. Women usually avoid the private sector which does not provide this flexibility and offers less time for family responsibilities (Seim).
Positions Held
The approximately 69% of women working constitutes almost half of the workforce (Morkhagen). Leading occupations for women in Norway are similar to those in the US. According to a Norwegian Labor force Survey, the top five occupations employing the most women(See Figure 2) are nursing, teaching, clerical work, sales and domestic work with women comprising 94%, 62%, 71%, 56%, and 83% of the occupations, respectively (Proportion women).
Similarly in the US, the top five occupations employing the most women (See Figure 2) are secretaries, cashiers, nursing, teaching and retail sales with women comprising 96.4%, 75.5%, 92.9%, 81.6% and 51.8%, respectively (Women’s Bureau). Thus, female family members of expatriates may find themselves confined to occupations within these fields and face difficulties attempting to find employment beyond these areas of work
Women in Management
Women in Norway face many of the same challenges as women in the US when attempting to enter management ranks.The glass ceiling exists in Norway as well as in the US. Many companies believe that women are not qualified and will need time off for motherhood (Seim, Morkhagen). Women make up a mere 18.4% of total management positions and 10.8% of board chairman. In public sectors, 28% of top managers in the central government and 22% in the local government are women. In the private sector, women hold only 7.4% of top management positions and 11% of middle manager positions (Gender Distribution)