In a recent worldwide study, researchers found that, while women leaders contribute to the overall success of a company, they are frequently less confident than their male counterparts. According to those conducting the survey, one reason may be that “men take more international assignments than do women, which boosts men’s faith in themselves as leaders in challenging situations.” Rich Wellins of DDI, a Pittsburgh-based human resources consulting firm, theorized that “fewer women may volunteer for international assignments because they may not want to disrupt their families’ lives and they also may be reluctant to move to a place where society is more sexist.” He does not discount the additional possibility that women may not get as many opportunities as men because of discrimination in the workplace.
The study was conducted by DDI and The Conference Board, a nonprofit business research group.