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News For You - December 2003We have developed this page to give our visitors the opportunity to see what's new, at a glance, in the business world and how it relates to our program. Take a moment to browse and see what's of interest to you! Women Fall Behind When They Don't Hone Negotiation Skills Women often are less adroit at winning better salaries, assignments and jobs-either because they don't ask or because they cave in when they do. Dr. Deborah Kolb, professor at the Simmons School of Management stated, "If a woman develops good negotiating skills, she can avoid sabotaging herself and will enhance her career in many ways. For example, if a potential employer insists times are tough, Dr. Kolb proposes swapping a hefty raise for an unusual perquisite. Consider "trading things that have value for you for things that have value for others. Additionally, some women tend to accept extra work without negotiating fewer regular duties or higher pay because they don't want to appear pushy. The answer: figure out the other side's hidden agenda, devise an alternative if you can't reach agreement and plan to deflect moves that put you on the defensive. (Source: The Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2003) The Opt-Out Revolution See "Molly's Letter" for a detailed review of this controversial article. (Source: The New York Times, October 26, 2003)
Turning Down a Transfer Can Freeze a Career While many employees still agree to transfer to move ahead in their jobs--or in some cases to keep them--many more refuse. Most people cite family concerns or the high cost of living in a new city. Fifty-four percent of 316 human resource managers surveyed earlier this year said they had employees who declined opportunities to relocate in 2002, up from 21 percent the previous year. Career experts advise employees, particularly those in executive positions, to think carefully before turning down out-of-town transfers-and to be prepared for stalled careers if they do so. Some who have made such choices have experienced "de factor demotions, or chilly supervisor relations". Career experts say that workers who are reluctant because a spouse may not find employment or an elderly relative may not find proper care should investigate the growing number of relocation services provided by companies. According to the Atlas World Group study, 42 percent of companies offered job-search assistance to the spouses of relocating employees in 2002--only 23 percent had such services in 2001. But what if no amount of perks can persuade an employee to move? How can workers decline an offer to relocate without hurting their careers? One career expert suggests that those who have a compelling personal reason to stay put should be frank with their companies. Other career experts advise executives to shy away from giving a personal reason for declining a transfer. They suggest that executives come up with a sound business reason for turning down an offer to move and offer other evidence of their commitment to the company. (Source: The New York Times, September 28, 2003)
No Drop in Programs and List of Top Ten Companies According to Working Mother Magazine, companies have increased benefits-ranging from child-care programs to take-home dinners straight from the company cafeteria-to cut stress and keep employees healthy. Even as little as four years ago, only 30 percent of companies on the Working Mother Magazine list of top 100 companies had a wide array of child-care and flexibility options. Now most companies do-and they are getting stronger with after-school, holiday, and emergency care of kids and elders, as well as fitness programs. In another trend, companies are offering after-school programs for teens and tweens in day-care centers, as well as support groups and counseling for parents. Working Mother Magazine List of Top Ten Companies include:
(Source: Workspan, November 2003 and www.workingmother.com)
Mentoring May Increase Ranks of Women in Top Medical Jobs In many medical schools across the country, well over half of the students who ultimately graduate are women. Yet, a much smaller percentage of women reach top-ranking positions in academia, health care and corporations. Many women believe that one way to help change the situation is to increase mentoring and networking opportunities. As a result, a variety of new programs have sprung up to support women. About 350 women have participated in a fellowship run by Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine, part of the Institute for Women's Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. About 20 women who have passed through the program are now deans at medical and dental schools in North America. (Source: Wall Street Journal: October 21, 2003)
Rwanda Has The Most Female Legislature Rwanda has the world's highest percentage of women in its legislature-48.8% of parliament's seats. Swedish women hold 45.3%. Denmark is third with 38%. The U.S. House of Representatives is tied for 60th with Andorra at 14.3%. (Source: USA Today: October 23, 2003)
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