Research Projects
Dr. Ruth Sealy co-ordinates the research activities of the Centre. Please contact Ruth if you would like more information or are interested in sponsoring a research project. Ruth can be contacted on Tel: +44 (0)1234 751122, or by email on: ruth.sealy@cranfield.ac.uk
The Female FTSE Index & Reports
The Governing Bodies and Diversity Project 2009, commissioned by the Equality Challenge Unit
This project led by Dr Sarah Rutherford, Visiting Fellow, working with Deirdre Anderson, Val Singh and Susan Vinnicombe, aims to identify the diversity of the Governing Bodies of UK universities and other higher education institutions. It also seeks to identify whether and how the diversity of the Governing Body influences the way that diversity is enacted in the executive processes of the HEI, and any influence on diversity of staff and students. A number of detailed case studies will be conducted, with interviews of governing body chairs and other members, as well as a survey of all HEI registrars. The study is part of a wider investigation into corporate governance of the universities and higher education institutions. The report should be published in 2009.
The Gender and Boardroom Cultures in Science, Engineering & Technology Organisations Project, commissioned by the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET, 2006-2008.
This research study into SET boardrooms sought to ascertain the culture of SET boardrooms, and if there were any women directors, then how they (and those aspiring to be directors) were impacted by the culture of the board. The UKRC has published the Good Practice Guide based on the outcomes of the project. Five organisations agreed to take part in this study, providing a mix of science, engineering and technology sectors, multi-national and local, women on board and all male boards. A survey was undertaken of senior women in the case study organisations to see how they viewed the board, and how this impacted their own career aspirations and leadership styles. This project was led by Dr Val Singh, assisted by Dr Dale Nelson.
Good Practice Guide to Inclusive Boardrooms, 2007
The full Report, Transforming Boardroom Cultures, was published in 2008 by the UKRC for Women in SET, and is available here: Transforming Boardroom Cultures.pdf
The Cranfield/Working Families Flexible Working Project 2006-2007
This research study examined the effects of flexible working amongst professional and managerial employees as well comparing at different levels. This study is in conjunction with Working Families, the leading work-life balance charity, and Professor Cary Cooper from Lancaster University. Seven blue chip organizations were involved and the aim was to measure the impact of flexible working on productivity and other outcomes such as career development, absenteeism and stress. Researchers have conducted a programme of research with each participating organization, including interviews, focus groups and employee surveys. Findings were shared at quarterly Research Club meetings to enable participants to compare experiences and share learning and best practice. Deirdre Anderson is the researcher on this project, which was led by Dr Claire Kelliher.
The research was launched at a conference in London in April 2008 "Measuring Up: The Impact of Flexible Working Practices on Performance".
A copy of the report can be downloaded: Flexible Working Report.pdf
Current Doctoral Projects
Doyin Atewologun - Identity issues for ethnic minority managers
Melissa Carr - Senior women's relationships with other senior women, in extreme gendered cultures.
Elena Doldor - Gender and organisational politics
Mary Gaughan - The role of search consultants in the selection of female directors for corporate boards
Thoranna Jonsdottir - Role interpretation of men and women directors on Icelandic boards.
Recently Completed Doctoral Projects
Ruth Sealy - A qualitative examination of the importance of female role models in investment banks
Aurora Chen - Career Benefits aquired by female MBA students in Taiwan and the UK
Deirdre Anderson - An investigation into the experiences of managers working flexibly
Siri Terjesen - Female entrepreneurs' use of human and social capital from corporate connections
James Collins - The social construction of successful leadership
Cheryl Freeman - Corporate image and recruitment of females in professional service firms
Rohayu Abdul Ghani - Adaptation and work/life balance of overseas doctoral students
Dale Nelson - Importance of fit in appointment of chief executives in public sector
Other recent Centre Projects
Ethnic Minority Directors in FTSE 100 Firms
Women Directors in Jordan
Women Directors in Tunisia
Diversity Statements on Corporate Websites across Europe
Why women above the glass ceiling leave professional services firms
Organisational Benefits of Mentoring
Women's Corporate Networks
Impression Management
Sex Role Stereotyping of Leadership