As Director of the Centre for Research on Asian Management and co-editor of the book 'The Changing Face of Women Managers in Asia' (Routledge, 2009), I was recently contacted and interviewed on this topic by China Radio International, Beijing, China. This interview forms the basis of this report and will focus on the important topic of the growing importance of women managers in Asia. This is undertaken via answers to the following 6 questions.

1) Why do we see increasing number of women managers in Asia?

Rapid economic growth

Increased labour force participation rates

More in education & higher levels (albeit in certain traditional subjects, so self-reinforcing)

Demographics of fewer workers and so need to use all talent

2) Are women managers inclined to some particular industries?

Occupational segregation

Traditional, 'female' ones such as teaching, nursing & administration

Growing numbers in ICT, legal system

Finance (except Korea)

3) Advantages and disadvantages for companies to have women managers

Bring those very traits seen as weaknesses below ie kindness, warmth, selflessness, humility & diversity to decision making and managerial style

Managing Diversity (= value differences) as opposed to Equal Opps (= make all same)

4) Difference between women managers in Asia and their counterparts in the West?

In the West more women take on male attributes to succeed

Greater support ie work-life balance

Better mentioning & networks

Less drinking/entertaining after work culture

5) What challenges are faced by these women managers?

Isolation, discrimination & lack of acceptance by male colleagues

Sexual harassment

Poor mentoring opportunities & few female role models

Lack of flexibility in work schedules in dual career families, Global survey (2003):