Samenvatting

Although in many Western European countries women have entered the workforce in large numbers this has not resulted in an equal representation in senior positions. Little is known about how organizational policies could be changed and what initiatives have proven to be effective in raising the number of women in the top of organizations. This article examines the effectiveness of measures taken by organizations to increase the number of women in senior management positions. We have reviewed literature regarding the effects of various types of measures on realizing more women in senior positions. The outcomes of this literature review have been used as a framework for an empirical analysis of the effectiveness of measures taken by companies. Data from the Charter Talent to the Top show that adopting a broad range of measures at the strategic level leads to a higher share of women in senior management positions. HR instruments and communication strategies also affect the proportion of women at the top. More specifically, facilitating flexible work options, external communication about the organization’s diversity goals, and increasing women’s visibility within the organization all have positive effects on the share of women in the top.