Companies that don’t give women leading roles will be left behind.

doesn't matter, those left behind will change name like from Daiwa to Resona...and back to top !

How easy the world is: for just one reason the company will succeed or fail! Too bad my world isn't as simple as that.

Why would they be left behind. You do not promote mediocrity, and should there be no women working for a company with that CEO/Management talent, then you do not put them in leadership positions.

Like Woody Alan said once, "Those that can't do teach, and those that can't teach, teach gym!"

Japan has been talking about women becoming more prominent in the workforce since the 80's and made all sorts of grandcpredictions and plans... when is it actually going to happen?

You do not promote mediocrity,

Mabo -- Obviously you have not in Japan that long. Promoting mediocrity is the norm rather than the exception in most companies there, as that is a natural outcome of the seniority-based system. Not rocking the boat, and never have taken a chance and risking failure, is what has been the traditional key to getting to senior management. Honestly, women could certainly not be any worse than their male counterparts, and, based on my experience there, likely far superior.

herefornow

Let's say 100 people are hired by a company and they proceed to stick with the company as the company is nice to them. Eventually, the top boss (1) will retire, his VP'S (2) will retire, with maybe one moving up to the top, and 3 section chiefs, and a few other leaders. Let's say we have 10 leaders at this business. Do you really think that all one hundred of those employees will or can be moved to management? Nope

Mediocrity and nepotism still play a part in all business structures around the world, but the seniority system does not mean that everyone gets promoted at the same time. Impossible.

29 年前から日本にいます。

'give'? I don't think men are 'given' their positions...

when is it actually going to happen?

When women decide that's what they want?

So all-women companies are going to surge ahead? This is a real dunce of statement. Its almost George Bush material.

Its competence and ability you want. Never mind what they got between their legs. Its what's between their ears that counts. And its anyone thinking the opposite that will be left behind.

but the seniority system does not mean that everyone gets promoted at the same time. Impossible

Mobo -- uh, duh! Where did I say that "everyone gets promoted at the same time"? And you wonderful mathmatical analysis only proves my point -- that Japanese companies move folks to management based on seniority and pre-set formulas, and NOT competence. Finally, your comment about incompetence and nepotism being in all parts of the room, is simply foolish. Sure, there are bad CEO's everywhere. But the number of barely competent ones is incredibly high in Japan.

Companies that don’t give women leading roles will be left behind.

I'd like to see how far a company that puts incompetant women in leading roles gets. I understand the intent of the quote, but if you only base the criteria for companies suceeding by the number of women in leading roles....sounds kinda stupid to me.