If your name is John, Robert, James or William, you’re more likely to have this job than a woman.
We know that we have a problem with gender equality in the workplace in this country. Men are being paid 20% more than women for the same work – an all time high for this country. And there are not enough women at senior levels in just about every sector.
If you’ve ever glanced at who is sitting in business class on a plane, you’ll notice that these passengers have quite a bit in common. They tend to be middle aged white guys.
And now we know that these guys have another thing in common.
It turns out that they tend to have the same names.
Read more: Meet Man Business – the men-only networking groups that corporate blokes need.
A study from Ernst and Young in the US has shown that there are more blokes named John, Robert, James and William on corporate boards than ALL female board members put together.
That’s right. Four randomly chosen men’s names beat women to a seat at the big table. They beat women to the big pay packets. And they beat women to leading some of the world’s largest companies. Companies which, if we are realistic, impact so many aspects of our daily lives.
The graphic says it all… Thanks, @washingtonpost. And here’s the link to the article: http://t.co/8FVRytb9sx pic.twitter.com/uf0FXFslFK
— Berenike Schott (@berenike_schott) February 25, 2015
Top Comments
Who would have guessed that little Barack Obama would grow up to be US President?
That there is one of the reasons we named our son William. I always believe when naming a child it should go with 'this is X from Macquarie private wealth' if it doesn't go with that you don't use the name. What you name your child means a lot later in life, it may be cute when they're little but no so good when Sunshine Apple is trying to get a corporate job. People may howl me down, but that is my philosophy...it also doesn't mean I expect our child to be employed in a corporate setting, he can do what he likes if he is happy. we wanted him to have every opportunity and not be held back by a name.
I completely agree, little Braden and little Phoenix may grow up to be a rock stars and their names will suit them fine, but their chances of becoming Justice Braden or Senator Phoenix are slim thanks to the bogan moniker their parents have hampered them with!
Completely agree. In naming both of our children, we wanted to give them names where they could be a high court justice, a CEO or senator if thats what they choose. We wanted them to have names that werent going to limit them, that sounded like they could be somebody (and not subject to ridicule). Some names might be cute on a baby, but is there ever likely to be a Prime Minister Rainbow Melon or Senator Axel Skidrow? Too many parents see naming their kids as an example of their own imagined creativety. Giving your kid an unpronouncable or made up name doesnt make you special and unique!
Braden isn't unique or different at all!! (other than the spelling)