Women's Networks: A Career Development Intervention or Impediment?

This case study investigated an in-company women's network with the mission of improving recruitment, retention, and advancement of women. The Network was unsuccessful in improving women's standing in the organization due to the nature of the women's participation and the resilience of the patriarchal culture. The Network was impaired by its members' attitudes, awareness of gendered power relations, and participation. The Network was also thwarted by the resiliency of the patriarchal organization culture. Study conclusions include that networks may serve to reproduce patriarchy, not erode it; the level of gender consciousness impacts on network participation and commitment; and network success is impacted upon by organization culture. Networks' viability as an HRD intervention is assessed.