Increasing Diversity and Inclusion: Women in Leadership (online)



Overview

It is widely reported that women are still lagging behind men when it comes to senior positions in organisations.

Routes for women into senior leadership positions are different to those of most men. 

Often we find that our examples of good leadership are based on exclusively male models, and so it can be harder for women to break into those higher level roles. Other, specific obstacles which block the path of women and/or minorities have been identified.

This course aims to explore the literature on Women in Leadership and uses an evidence-based approach to explore the journey many women negotiate in moving up the organisational hierarchy.

The literature on women can equally be applied to minority groups, so that the issues explored apply to many situations. Bringing these issues consciously into organisations means real opportunity for change.

We will also look at some of the thought processes and behaviours that may limit success, either because they are self-limiting and therefore detrimental to success, or perceived as negative by others in the organisation.

Finally, we will also look at success stories, and examine some excellent examples of successful women in high profile leadership roles, and how they got there.

Programme details

This course is open to all, and is intended to inform participants about the challenges facing many women seeking senior roles.

Using an evidence base, you will explore thoughts and behaviours that feed our expectations of women, and how we can support and liberate men and women (where necessary) to produce their best work, and flourish.

You will have the opportunity to work through a case study, and consider ways in which organisations, and the men and women in them, play a part in overcoming stereotypes.

Key themes 

  • Overcoming stereotypes in the perception of female behaviour in organisations
  • Identifying excellent role models
  • Overcoming some common self-limiting thoughts and behaviours
  • Agency for change
  • Building success
  • The future of work: the role of women leaders in future workspaces

By the end of the course you will be able to: 

  • Recognise some of the key mechanisms affecting the perception of female behaviour and its limitations
  • Identify where those mechanisms may be at play in your organisation
  • Explore some common thought and behaviour patterns that often limit success
  • Identify strategies, techniques and events from the lives of some real-world examples of successful women
  • Considered the advantages, and potential for success of female leadership in future workspaces

Dates, times and delivery 

Sessions will be held over Microsoft Teams. 

The course will be delivered in four sessions: 

  • Three 1.5-hour workshops on Monday 31 March, Tuesday 1 April, and Thursday 3 April, from 11:00 - 12:30 (UK time) 
  • A 1- to 1.5-hour case study group activity on Wednesday 2 April from 11:00 - 12:30 (UK time)

A world clock, and time zone converter can be found here: https://bit.ly/3bSPu6D

You may be grouped into a smaller team for this case study activity and analysis. 

To support the online sessions, you should actively engage in offline activities, such as the introductory tasks. 

This is a ‘virtual classroom’ course. To replicate the experience of a classroom, the sessions are live and are not recorded. 

No attendance at Oxford is required and you do not need to purchase any software.

Accessing Your Online Course 

Details about accessing the private MS Teams course site will be emailed to you during the week prior to the course commencing.  

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within three working days of the course start date. 

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Standard course fee £465.00

Payment

Fees include electronic copies of course materials.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Please note that places are subject to availability, with classes limited to 20 people.

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Tutor

Dr Jane Pollock

Course Director

Independent Consultant and Researcher

Jane is a Chartered Psychologist, an Independent Consultant in Organisational Psychology, and a tutor and lecturer in Psychology and Statistics. She has a history of highly successful courses in both Psychology and Business streams, and takes a practical approach to a subject crucial to the success of people in organisations.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click the 'Ask a question' button at the top of this page.

IT requirements

This course is delivered online using Microsoft Teams. You will be required to follow and implement the instructions we send you to fully access Microsoft Teams on the University of Oxford's secure IT network.

To participate you must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

It is advised to use headphones with working speakers and microphone.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support