It was an honor and a privilege to be asked by Ana, from Spain, to collaborate with her on a presentation to a women’s organization on June 9, 2011 held in Spain.  I continue to be educated from my international women entrepreneurs, business owners and scholars.

“Dear Cheryl

The speech has been quite successful, not many women attended, around 20 , but very interested on what is happening in the international business context.
I found this research released by Grant Thornton International about position of women in the senior management in 39 countries that it is very interesting http://www.internationalbusinessreport.com/Press-room/2011/women_in-senior_management.asp
And thanks again for your comments, it helped me to understand a bit more about North American women and also Omani women , which I did not have much information about their situation
I hope to keep in contact with you . “

Best regards

Ana

Women and International Business

Operating in the international realm as an Entrepreneur or Business Owner requires extensive knowledge of the cultural environment, prospective business environment background, concentration and persistence on building relationships.  A brief review of Professor Geert Hofstede’s comprehensive studies on “Cultural Dimensions” refers to this as “how values in the workplace are influenced by culture.”

Personal Experience as a Women Entrepreneur

I agree with various aspects of the assessment regarding some generalizations and complexities of women pursuing international business endeavors.  Although the United States is diverse in cultures, there is a high degree of support for women through networking groups and organizations for possibility as an entrepreneur or business owner.  In addition, there are numerous government programs supporting women in attempting to establish businesses.  Women entering the international venue are often faced with historical cultural differences and attitudes that present obstacles for achieving goals.

The LinkedIn Social Media tool is just one venue where women can pursue networking with women globally for the purpose of exchange of information, ideas and prospects of business ventures.  Although there are many support venues, (specifically in the United States) the result of accomplishment will ultimately differ with women depending on an individual’s style and exposure in various environments of society.  In pursuing business opportunities, women will also encounter some of the obstacle commonalities as do their male counterparts.  It is an individual’s ability to “stay the course” and press forward against obstacles that possibly will yield the objective of being successful.  Being aware of cultural differences by women will enhance their ability to work within the international venue and possibly result in a successful business or other business opportunities.

Opportunities that present business lessons in life are valuable, and so it was my experience while giving a fundraiser presentation to a group of culturally diverse, well-established and educated men for the possibility of producing a major youth event in Orlando, Florida.

 In brief, one of the physicians attending the presentation asked to speak with me when the presentation had concluded.  After all the attendees had cleared the room, we sat down at the table and the physician asked if I would be interested in his comments on the deliverance of my presentation? Of course, I am always open for comments and being constructively critiqued.  This prominent physician started out by reassuring me that from the time I walked in the room, I exhibited confidence and the attendees stayed fixed in my direction.  He expressed that I maintained eye contact with the attendees.   I was direct, informative, concise and powerful.  He was surprised that this was the first time I had given a formal presentation of that magnitude.  He proceeded to inform me that although my presentation was given high marks, I lacked one important criterion and unfortunately I was not aware of it.  He advised, “The next time before you give a presentation try to ascertain who the attendees are and their diversity.  At the start of your presentation take a few minutes to discern, observe and access the attendees in the room and how you can quickly build an initial relationship. Be constantly aware of body language.”  He brought to my attention that diversity of cultures react and process business differently.  As an example, he specifically pointed out the importance of being aware of how business is conducted in other cultures such as the Japanese culture.   Specifically, he focused on the Japanese doctors who were sitting at the table.  Advice from the physician has played a very important role in my networking skills and is part of the foundation in developing Women Entrepreneurs Worldwide and its’ mission “Building Cultural Relationships and Networking Bridges Globally.”  

  The obstacles for women engaging in international business are several.  Cultural societies with historical masculinity domination over women produce a greater challenge for women attempting to start a business and the possibility of being successful.  Societies where women have no support groups such as family, friends or organized networking groups often are easily discouraged.  If there is a lack of self-esteem, then not having external support will enhance that characteristic. Women are typically caregivers and find that lack of time for family obligations can often produce lack of successful fulfillment, what is perceived as their natural obligations. 

As an example, I grew up with extremely strong-minded, purposeful spiritual-based women in my life, which included (up until I was the age of 24) a mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, highly motivated and educated women who stood the test of time.  All were married or had been married at some point in time.  It was unheard of for women not to be self-sufficient, in the event of an untimely divorce or death and to understand the importance of pursuing business opportunities or at least staying informed about their male counterparts businesses.

There are far less women networking groups in other parts of the world and therefore the support factors for self-esteem, encouragement and inspiration take a backseat to the stigmas as they become forerunners for the ability to engage and succeed in business.

Women engaging in entrepreneurship in the United States and Canada create, demand, expect and build on networking environments. The attitudes towards accountability is rising as it is recognized that “time is always of the essence.”  The mindset to women as second class citizens or second anything simply is quickly discarded whenever it seems to rear its ugly head.

 

Cultural Differences Creating Obstacles for Women

As Entrepreneurs and/or Business Owners

A brief review of the study by Gerard McElwee, Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK, entitled, “Women Entrepreneurs In Oman: Some Barriers to Success” indicate numerous barriers that present challenges for women entrepreneurs such as  (a) economic and socio-political, (b) coded and unwritten social mores, (c) gender differences in the Islamic culture and law, (d) patriarchal, male dominant society, (e) underutilization of women in the move for change, (f) lack of access to nurseries, kindergartens, vocational training and employment information and development loans, which could enhance their contribution economically to family, thereby building an increased level of value and (g) women are primarily looked upon as wives and mothers, therefore employers hire men even though women have  the same qualifications as men.

 See, http://www.nottinghamtrent.academia.edu/Gerardmcelwee

To assist with entrepreneur progression for both genders, especially for women, would be to increase the educational opportunities which would ultimately increase productivity. Understanding the role of Omani entrepreneur women in their society and the forces encountered in daily life are essential to conducting international business.  In Arab culture, (1) the family lies at the core of society, (2) major roles in political, economic, social and religious spheres, (3) the family is consciously aware of each other’s identities, and membership status.  Family links generate and facilitate access to institutions, jobs, and government services.  Primary role of women with respect to religion and law is to be a wife and mother.  The reasons Omani women pursue entrepreneurship and business ownership is: (1) to make it on their own, (2) a passion, (3) Omani women prioritize employment through economic necessity which is a key factor, and (4) challenges feeling constrained by a male dominant society. 

A review of various articles and information support that although women entrepreneurs are a distance behind their male counterparts, women entrepreneurs have been gaining some momentum. See, Susanne E. Jalbert, Ph.D’s, “Women Entrepreneurs in the Global Economy,” March 17, 2000.”   See, International Business Development Strategy, “Your Key to Success” dated March 23, 2011, “The top 10 Australian Female Entrepreneurs.” See also, CNN Money, a Service of CNN, Fortune & Money’s article “Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs,” dated December 18, 2009.

The Rise of Women to Chief Executive Officer

of Domestic or International Fortune 500 Companies

The rise of women to Chief Executive Officer as leaders of domestic or international Fortune 500 companies has been slow as referenced in various 2010 information.

A review of the largest top 20 Fortune 500 Global Companies for 2010 reveals that there are no women CEOs.

 Fortune Magazine released its annual list of Chief Executive Officers in Fortune 500 Companies.  There are 15 CEO women who lead in those companies and a review suggest that the predominance is dominated with food and cosmetics companies, as if the women still only have insight to the kitchens and bathrooms. 

As of May 2010, 16 women at S&P 500 firms broke the glass ceiling and earned an average of $14.2 million. Carol Bartz, CEO for Yahoo had total compensation in 2009 of $47.2 million and Irene Rosenfield, CEO for Kraft had total compensation of $26.3 million. See article by, Alexis Leondis of the China Daily, May 5, 2010.

Perusing the list of 19 on the chart, the reasons seem to be common where women are not in senior management or own businesses.  The table definitely shows that there is a direct correlation with culture (both past and present) in environments that do not allow for women to progress. Where there is no admission of necessity of change in society, the stigmas are allowed to manifest and it becomes “business as usual.”  Understanding cultural environment, especially its history and following its timeline of society where change in attitude have scaled higher, then the observation generally will reflect progression in areas across the board.

Cheryl Collins
Women’s Body Beautiful Audio Video Teleconference
Women Entrepreneurs Worldwide
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