Strategies That Male Allies Use to Advance Women in the Workplace

• Published in: The Journal of men's studies Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 239 - 259
• Main Authors: Madsen, Susan R., Townsend, April, Scribner, Robbyn T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-10-2020; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Behavior; Equality; Gender differences; Gender roles; Leadership; Male employees; Males; Men; Strategies; Women; Workplaces; lessons of experience; male allies; gender equity; women’s advancement; women’s leadership
• ISSN: 1060-8265; 1933-0251
• DOI: 10.1177/1060826519883239

The purpose of this research study was to identify and examine, from both men’s and women’s perspectives, the specific behaviors and strategies male allies use to successfully support the advancement of women in workplace settings. From a survey of 243 men and women, the team gathered qualitative survey data that were analyzed to identify the strategies and behaviors used by male allies. Top responses included developmental relationships, human resource (HR) processes, leadership development, recognition (both public and private), treating women as equals, and challenging sexist behavior. Some differences existed between perceptions of men and women in terms of the most critical ally behaviors. These research findings have scholarly and practical implications in future efforts to work toward greater gender parity.