Innovative Contribution of Women in Spanish Companies

Abstract

Official data in Spain show that women's activity rate is increasing, and women's unemployment rate is decreasing during the last years. Nevertheless, both of these indicators continue being higher in men, although this difference is reduced over time because the women's participation in the labour market continues growing. In this chapter, the main objective is to analyse the added value that women bring to organisations. A qualitative study is carried out, based in an in-depth interview conducted for women that work in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain). Results show the women's perception about their added value in the organisations that is mainly manifest in aspects such as commitment, equanimity, work organisation, creativity, collaboration, and empathy (called “velvet management”). Women bring innovation and creativity in an environment of diversity. Nevertheless, there are still some cultural barriers that affect the family and professional life of women that limit their professional career.