Obstacles That Women Leaders Face in Rural Areas in Finland
No Thumbnail Available
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
School of Business |
Bachelor's thesis
Electronic archive copy is available locally at the Harald Herlin Learning Centre. The staff of Aalto University has access to the electronic bachelor's theses by logging into Aaltodoc with their personal Aalto user ID. Read more about the availability of the bachelor's theses.
Author
Date
2018
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business
Language
en
Pages
39 + 4
Series
Abstract
Objectives The main objectives of my study include to research the different obstacles that women leaders may face especially in rural areas in Finland. First, I want to explore the attitudes and perceptions that women leaders face at their jobs in rural areas. Second, I aim to research how possible self-depreciation have affected women leaders. Third, I want to explore the gender discrimination and stereotypes that occur in rural areas possibly have an effect on women leaders. Finally, my goal is to conclude how the factors above can hinder women from becoming leaders. Summary This research was designed to explore the obstacles that women leaders face in rural areas in Finland. I chose to conduct my research using qualitative methodology by interviewing women leaders from a small town in Central Finland. Finally, I got the results by exploring similar themes that were found in the answers of the interviewees. Conclusions In my research, I found out that especially ‘old-boy’ networks, self-depreciation, gender stereotypes, the industry, and the lack of opportunities in rural areas can be challenges for women who aspire to be a leader in rural areas. To improve the situation, there needs to be an attitudinal change towards women leaders in rural areas, which can be achieved as the number of women leaders in rural areas increase. In addition, it is important to get more women leader role models from rural areas to inspire young girls. Finally, also women leaders’ own attitude can play a role in decreasing the effect of obstacles.Description
Thesis advisor
Collins, KristieKeywords
gender, leadership, rural areas, gender discrimination
