Analysis of Structural Factors and Management Challenges for the Low Number of Female Managers in IT Companies

Abstract

The 2023 Gender Gap Index, Japan ranked 125th out of 146 countries, with a gender ratio of 0.148 (133rd) in management positions. Although women's activities are being promoted in Japan and the number of women leaving the workforce is decreasing, the ratio of women in management positions has only slightly increased. It has been pointed out that the main reason for this is the backward-looking attitude of women who do not want to take on responsibility. Compared by industry, the ratio of female managers in the IT industry is not as high as in other industries, despite the fact that there is relatively little difference in evaluation by gender, since there is almost no steep heavy workload and skills based on qualifications and experience are emphasized in the IT industry. Therefore, this study analyzed the causes of the low number of female managers in IT companies based on a fact-finding survey. As a result, we derived structural factors such as the fact that management positions appear to be disadvantageous in terms of both time and cost for women engaged in household chores and finances, and that they calculate the benefits of continuing to be promoted as managers versus getting overtime pay as non-managers. Furthermore, we proposed a management strategy to optimize the balance between work and household responsibilities in the company and to increase productivity and output.