Delivering gender diversity: beyond the business case

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of the development and implementation of a diversity strategy to recruit, retain and promote more women to partnership positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a global network of professional services firms. At PricewaterhouseCoopers gender diversity is a business issue, not a gender issue. The business case for gender diversity is undeniable and numerous studies underline the impact of women on the profitability of the organization. With women now representing half the workforce, the strategy now focuses on providing an environment that allows women to progress and to be successful in positions of leadership. This paper looks at the context and approach undertaken by the firm in addressing this issue, and the future implications in the context of both the firm's existing approach and the wider labor market and business environment.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the global context and drivers for the firm's gender policy de...