OUR OUTLOOK - Pressalit A/S

NS Yes, but once again it requires vision. Statistics
from the OECD show that countries around
the world have invested heavily in their education
systems, and this is an area where Denmark has
fallen behind. Because of our tradition in Denmark,
we expect the state to fund research. But if
we want to achieve our ambition of continuing to
be at the forefront, the corporate sector must
play an active role even though this won’t generate
an immediate result on the bottom line. It requires
a new contract regarding the respective
roles of the corporate and public sectors.
We believe in diversity
DB I’m now going to turn my attention from outlook
to insight. I’d really like to hear your view of
diversity in the corporate sector being a woman
with an active career. When we recruit at Pressalit,
we believe it is important to seek diversity in candidate
profiles – whether it is a top executive
position or employees on the shop floor. But do
you feel there are skills specific to women – and
what do you think diversity means for companies?
NS Diversity is an important quality to have in the
boardroom and at top executive level – to make
sure that not everyone is a 40-year-old male in a
suit and tie, but that there is a broad spread in
terms of age, gender etc. There is scientific research
to back this up. The decision-making
process may take longer when people are differ-
ent, but the quality of the decisions is often far superior. But obviously
you need to have the right skills as well. Women aren’t simply
competent because they are women. Personally I’m opposed to
quota systems for women in boardrooms like they have in Norway.
DB Do women managers have unique skills?
NS I don’t think women per se have different values than men or
are better people. I believe in diversity and that our genes are different.
But today women are very capable and well-educated so
this, in itself, is a good reason for employing them.
DB There are some things that women managers find easier to talk
about than men. For example, we have certain work environments
that are extremely male dominated where there are issues that
wrongly don’t get taken up. Such issues may be linked to sexual
orientation or a person’s ethnic background. But it’s also about
generations. There were some things that my father couldn’t talk
about, but which are run-of-the-mill for young, well-educated people.
And then again, top management has to lead the way by signalling
that we view diversity as a strength.
NS Yes, top management has a very important role to play there.
Corporate culture and the signals management sends out are extremely
important. The Executive Committee has to establish
guidelines for acceptable behaviour. This not only applies to diversity
but also to the work-life balance. When all is said and done,
it isn’t what you say, but what you do that counts.
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Out of the
Ivory Tower