THE PRESENCE OF WOMEN IN TOP EXECUTIVE POSITIONS IN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES

Leonard Branson Lisa Chen

Karen Redenbaugh University of Illinois Springfield

ABSTRACT

This study reports on an empirical enquiry into the presence of women in the top management positions in non-profit organizations (NPO) and Fortune 500 companies. Because market disruptions of 2008 caused organizations of all types to modify their strategies, structures, and operations, this study examined organizations just prior to that date hoping to examine organizations in more “normal” times. Results indicate that women hold significantly more top level management positions in non-profit organizations than in Fortune 500 companies. Possible reasons are explored in this study.