A behavioral wish list for women administrators. (In Her Own Words).

By Mary Lee Sargent, professor of history and director the Office of Women's Programs and Services at Parkland College IL

From a presentation to Parkland College's chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) in May 2002

One result of the historical convergence of the forces of feminism on the one hand, and an aggressively capitalist global economy on the other, is that some women are moving up the organizational ladder in corporations, government, and public and private schools.

It is important to understand, however, that women administrators are still cheap labor when compared with men. In a competitive service economy that relies on communication and "people skills," and demands faster output and greater productivity, who but women serve better, think faster, communicate more clearly, please people more, and work harder with a smile and in pantyhose? And, at a lower cost than men!

As a feminist, I have applauded and supported the advancement of women and other groups into upper management. However, I am no longer satisfied with simply having women or people of color or gay people or disabled people as upper level administrators. I'm not satisfied with quantitative change alone.

I also want behavioral change and attitude change--a qualitative change in the qualities of administrators. I am no longer satisfied with simply having different managers of my own gender. I want bosses who manage differently.

Here is my behavioral "wish list" for bosses: