December 4th, 2010 § § permalink
Today, we pride ourselves for building a society on the principles of equality. Gender equality, indeed, has made significant progress. It has been 200 years since Mary Wollstonecraft published Vindication on the Rights of Women; it has been 50 years since the Women’s Liberation Movement.
As a female student in a business school, I must admit I am dismayed by the relative absence of women in senior management. Exceptions like Carly Fiorina, who became the first female chief executive of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, encounter many challenges. Organizational Behavior theories help to explain some of the problems she encountered. The information technology industry is heavily male dominated, so a high score on Hofstede’s culture dimensions is expected.
Many members of the board of directors questioned her decisions. This may have been a Halo effect from her unfeminine self-assured personality. This became especially evident when she decides to acquire archival Compaq computers for $20 million in 2001.
Fiorina made headlines again this year when she entered the Senate race as a Republican candidate. The organizational culture of the U.S. government is considered to be more masculist than IT, so she has a tough journey ahead.
November 15th, 2010 § § permalink
Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel is the enfant terrible of the garment industry. A polarizing figure, he is known for both his philandering and for infusing his progressive politics into his business.
He draws both praise and criticism for his leadership style, but it must be acknowledged that he is an entrepreneur. As per Joseph Schumpeter’s definition, for his business is based on innovative ideas for both the products and the production methods.
His “Classic Girl” t-shirt is now a legendary staple in the garments industry. Meanwhile, his labour practices are likewise renowned. Not only does American Apparel pay fair wage and provide low cost health care to its factory workers, Charney has taken a company position on immigration reform. On AmericanApparel.net, there is a section called “Legalize LA”., which has become the name of a pro-immigration activism group underwritten by AA.
The creative-destructive process of capitalism that Schumpeter envisioned is manifested in Charney. Both a visionary and a rule-breaker, he drives the brand forward with his relentless vision. In addition to generating profit, it is admirable that Charney has taken on a social mission.
Not bad for a wiry kid from Montreal.
