Just an Illusion of Equality? The Gender Diversity Paradox in Norway

Abstract

Gender diversity in the workforce is a goal that organizations in many countries are working toward. This is the case also in Norway where gender equality is an important value, but even there the gender distribution in positions of power remains tilted in favor of men. The present article draws attention to the apparent contradiction between gender equality as a value and the lack of gender diversity in upper-echelon positions, and seeks to improve our understanding of this gender paradox by reviewing role theory and literatures on managerial cognition, gender as “doing”, and values. An alternative approach where these literatures are woven together is presented, and it is suggested that gender equality in Norway may be an illusion.