Gender Bias in Organisations: From the Arts to Individualised Coaching

Government and organisational policies are not enough to challenge socially constructed expectations towards gender. Arts based methods derived from sensemaking, metaphors and storytelling can support women in modifying behaviours triggered by gender stereotype threat and help them cope better in the gendered workplace.

The aim of the book is to challenge the contemporary approach of mainstreaming gender in organisations. Starting with individuals’ life stories and workplace experiences to understand the common challenges for individuals and organisations, the authors review how women respond to those challenges through strategic choice, and consequences both for the individual and the organisational impact. This book presents two types of arts inspired workshops: sensory and metaphorical engagement as well as storytelling theatre.

Gender Bias in Organisations: From the Arts to Individualised Coaching discusses how gender mainstreaming initiatives have failed and proposes an individualised coaching approach based on arts-based methodology for mediating gender stereotype in the workplace. It will be of interest to researchers, academics, and students in the areas of gender, work and organisation.

Dr Gillian Danby is the Owner/Managing Director of Artistry in Leadership based in the UK and is an Associate Lecturer at Northumbria University.

Dr Malgorzata Ciesielska is Associate Professor of Organisation Studies and Deputy Head of Leadership & HRM Department at Northumbria University.