The Role of Women In International Business

There is no doubt that an increasing number of women have been entering the workforce all over the world though studies have shown that the increase has mostly been in areas that are considered to be female dominated. Business has typically been considered a male dominated industry and women have had to work very hard to make their presence felt. There are added complications when women work in international business and often have to fight against commonly held myths about women not wanting to travel overseas because of family commitments, about women not being considered credible because of the perception of women in foreign countries – the list goes on.

Today, the incredible success and commitment shown by businesswomen on the international scene have gone a long way in dispelling some of these myths. And yet there are many who still doubt that women have the skills and ability to achieve major success in international business. For those doubters, we present some fascinating facts compiled by various government agencies.

· By 2005 working women were believed to compromise nearly 48% of the US workforce.

· Women can now be found in almost all positions of executive power from administrative to managerial positions, right up to CEO in major international companies and brands.

· Businesses owned by women are found to be growing at double the rate of other businesses. Not only that they employ one out of every four employed person.

· More than one third of businesses owned by women now make their first international transaction within the first or second year of operation and are almost always successful.

In fact, women have gone so far as to compete in traditionally male dominated industries and achieved great success. From running profitable restaurant chains to being a president of a major sports arena, they have done it all.

It is however important for women in international business to be aware of certain cultural differences and perceptions. For example, businesswomen may not only need to understand how her international contacts or associates conduct business but also what local customs and traditions may have an impact on the business negotiations. The most typical of these are certain gender expectations because of which women may be expected to be less assertive.

To overcome these kinds of biases, women should understand what the negotiating style in that country is and what the expectations of women may be. They can develop their personal style that adapts to these requirements and yet allows them to be able to negotiate successfully. They should also have the ability to develop mutually respectful relationships, to understand the perspective of others and most importantly, reframe contentious issues so that some common ground can be found to carry forward the negotiations.

With their natural abilities for conflict resolving and team building, businesswomen have found great success in whatever area they have chosen to work in. With their hard work and determination they are fast putting to rest all the myths around women in international business.