The impact of women in management began to gain significant attention in the 1970s, with Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s groundbreaking book, Men and Women of the Corporation (1977). Kanter explored gender and organizational behavior, providing key insights into how women influence and shape workplace culture.
Kanter’s research, along with other studies from the 2000s, highlights how women are transforming factory culture in the U.S. by focusing on initiatives such as:
- Promoting inclusivity, equal opportunity, and diversity in the workplace
- Serving as role models and paving the way for other women to advance
- Encouraging collaboration and teamwork
- Addressing workplace harassment and safety
- Emphasizing work-life balance
- Breaking the glass ceiling and challenging traditional gender roles
I experienced this during my time working at a warehouse in Lancaster. Under the leadership of a female general manager, she provided opportunities for growth, including leadership development programs, networking events, and Retail Management certifications—all sponsored by the company. These initiatives helped young supervisors develop skills that we would not have had access to otherwise. She made sure to create opportunities not only for her direct reports but for the entire supervisory team.
The increasing presence of women in leadership roles has enriched workplace culture with empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity—qualities that are essential for both personal and organizational success. While female representation continues to grow, there is still a need for more diversity, particularly at the highest levels of leadership. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving true workplace evolution.
Rosa Enid Arroyo-Vega
