Disappearing women: Why do women leave senior roles in finance? Further evidence

Abstract

This paper builds on the findings of the author (published in this issue) in terms of understanding what leads women to leave senior roles in Finance. Using mixed methods techniques, a survey of 90 women suggests women leave due to the interplay of a trigger for leaving, coupled with having choice. The trigger appears to be a combination of work frustrations and personal triggers. While triggers lead women to want to leave, having the ability to leave appears important to actually leaving. The quantitative results support the qualitative findings. They suggest the way work is structured in the industry, seeking change and having choice are important factors in a woman’s decision to leave. For women who left the industry, feeling they had achieved all they wanted to from the job, feeling there is more to life than their job and having financial security may play a key role in the choice to leave. Senior women in Finance have many options outside their job – perhaps women leave senior roles simply because they can.