NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to risk-taking in the workplace, seven in ten (69%) women are open to taking small risks to further their career, but far fewer (43%) are open to taking bigger risks that may be associated with career advancement, according to a study of over 2,000 professional women by KPMG LLP.
According to the research, women's inclination to take risks declines as they become more experienced in their careers – even as their self-confidence grows. Forty-five percent of respondents with less than five years of experience say they are open to taking big risks to advance their careers, versus 37 percent with over 15 years of experience. Women of color are the biggest professional risk-takers, with 57 percent saying they are open to taking big chances versus 38 percent of white women.
"When it comes to their careers, many women find themselves in a bit of a bind. They're trying to preserve their gains, so instead of playing to win, they're often playing not to lose – whether hesitating to take perceived big risks, or feeling the need to take outsized chances," said Michele Meyer-Shipp, KPMG's Chief Diversity Officer.
Meanwhile, women see the benefits of risk-taking. The number one incentive is the opportunity to make more money, according to 40 percent of those surveyed. This factor ranks equally high across all experience levels and among women across all ethnic/racial groups. Yet, only a third of women surveyed (35%) say they're confident about asking for a higher salary.
More than half surveyed (55 percent) believe people who take more career risks progress more quickly than others. They cited potential benefits of increased risk-taking including career advancement, increased confidence, personal development and building respect among colleagues.
"Women may benefit by taking more risks over the course of their careers, but they can't go it alone," said Meyer-Shipp. "Organizations must provide supportive structures including inclusive and diverse workplaces, professional development, mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, all of which set up women to achieve, thrive and reach the highest levels."
Just 8 percent of respondents say risk taking has contributed most to their professional success, crediting task-oriented factors over leadership traits. Women attributed success to good habits such as working hard (73 percent), being detail oriented (45 percent), and organized (45 percent). They were less likely to point to attributes such as being strong-willed (24 percent), creative (18 percent) or a good leader (17 percent). Only a minority of respondents (43 percent) say they have talked about their accomplishments or raised their personal external visibility over the past three years.
To learn more about the 2019 KPMG Women's Leadership Study: Risk, Resilience, Reward read the full report.
Methodology
A survey was conducted among 2,012 professional women in the U.S., ages 18-64, who are college educated and currently working in the white-collar work force full-time. The survey was fielded in March 2018 with a margin of error of +/- 2.2% at a 95% confidence level.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG is one of the world's leading professional services firms, providing innovative business solutions and audit, tax, and advisory services to many of the world's largest and most prestigious organizations.
KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity, and eradicating childhood illiteracy.
KPMG LLP is the independent U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG International's independent member firms have 207,000 professionals working in 153 countries and territories. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.
Contact: |
Rebecca Rickert |
KPMG LLP |
|
201-307-8274 |
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SOURCE KPMG LLP
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