Reacción a "Women executives must build broader and more influential networks than men to reach positions of power"

Although the study is based on a broad and representative dataset, its main limitation lies in the fact that it offers a snapshot of the reality of publicly listed companies in Canada. Therefore, any generalisation of its conclusions should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, it does provide relevant reflections on the development of the professional careers of men and women as they progress towards board-level positions.

The study suggests that women tend to rely more on social networks and on direct connections with other board members in order to reach leadership positions. This finding is consistent with previous research highlighting the importance of social capital and professional networks in selection processes for senior roles. In this way, the study confirms that the glass ceiling continues to exist, and that initiatives such as women’s executive networks or mentoring programmes among women may represent important avenues for challenging this structural reality.

In conclusion, this study offers further evidence that circles of influence in the corporate world remain predominantly male. For this reason, women appear to need broader and more diversified networks in order to reach positions similar to those held by men, in other words, more effort for the same role.