Ethnography

Research Design:
In reading the book “The F Word” by Kristin Rowe – Finkbeiner, there is a section where it talks about how women in the work force are progressing. I think this is very true and I would like to know what it is like for women who have progressed in the work force. Are women who have a high ranked job positions discriminated or favored? Did they have to do more than a man would to get the job they have? What is work like for a successful woman?

Methodology:
I have decided to interview and observe my friend who is an office manager for a medical staffing company. She is younger than any other employee, and she is the only woman manager. I knew she would be a perfect specimen for my research. I went to her office to see what her work life was like.

Questions and answers by my friend.

How are you treated by your male employees?
When I first transitioned into the management role there was animosity from one particular male. I feel as if the hard feelings came from the fact that he was with the company for three years and I had only been there for six months. However the Sales Director who is a male was in favor of me being the manager and had a part in making the decision.
What makes you successful as a woman leader?
I feel that being a leader is treating everyone the same regardless of whether they are male or female. I try to always have a uniform thought process which means that everyone is treated the same regardless of gender.
What has it taken to become a successful woman in the work force?
Time. As with most things, it takes time to prove your worth and validity in the work place. There are many times I put in long hours and am always trying to think of how I could become a better leader. I read many business books and try to think as if I were the owner of the company.
Are there any times you feel disrespected because you are a woman in a management role?
Fortunately, not for me. However, I know many women who have similar roles as me who are treated like they are a lesser person because they are a woman.
Did you have to do anything more than a man would have to qualify for that job?
No, because I had a degree and it was highly looked upon.
My observations:
While I was at her office, I felt like everyone there had a deep respect for my friend. They relied on her, and didn’t doubt her decisions or answers.

Write up:
After doing my research and interviewing my friend, I have found that there is some discrimination towards women but not as much as some theorists make it seem. For the most part, I think the answers to these questions differ from person to person. It’s dependant on where they work and who they are working for. This research has proven that women are progressing in the work force. I think that the anthropologists/ sociologists who think that women are very aggressively discriminated against or treated unfairly in a high ranked position are correct but not to a severe extent. I think there may be some discrimination, but there are also places where they are respected and almost favored. In my friend’s case, she is very lucky to work with people who treat her with respect because of her success.