As I proceed into my research about women in technology, I continue to look into the different stakeholders in this controversy. Here I examine the stake of the CEOs and presidents of tech companies.
1. Can you describe this other stakeholder in 200-250 words? If they're an individual, vividly describe how they look, what they wear, how they move. Tell us how they sound, how they talk, what their mannerisms are. Conjure them in our mind's eye, by appealing to at least THREE of our FIVE senses. If the stakeholder is an institution or group, then describe the institution and how it appears in the world. How do people encounter this group or institution, digitally or physically? Describe their website or headquarters or something else that physically represents the group to the world at large.
The CEOs and presidents of these large tech companies hold a large stake in the disparity of women as compared to men in their companies. These CEOs and Presidents, who are majority men, show explicit desire to support the encouragement and inclusion of women in tech industries. CEOs are so often perceived as stuffy old men sitting in fancy, modern-majestic offices, distanced from the reality of working in the field - continuing to exclude women from the workplace. While those of many tech companies claim to want more women involved in the makeup of their employees, the continued disparity in the gender gap would suggest otherwise.
The tech industry is one of vital, modern importance. Constantly evolving, innovating, and adapting, it is not an industry typically associated with antiquated practices. Yet somehow, they still foster a sexist work environment that supports this disparity.
Technology users may not think about the work environment of the workers producing their iPhones, laptops, and iPods. Most of the public’s awareness the leadership of these companies comes from influential men like Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates - tech-savvy, educated men. The constancy of these leadership roles being filled by men creates a standard in the eyes of the public. Unless attention is called to it in some way, the lack of women in tech fields may not come to mind. The men in charge of these companies are perceived as standard.
2. Can you identify THREE specific claims being made by this stakeholder? The claims should be public and about the specific story you're investigating. Provide direct quotes for three different claims or ideas made in public by this stakeholder. Each quote should be clearly hyperlinked to the original source.
Tech Crunch describes the experiences of women with Steve Jobs, “The women said Steve Jobs didn’t care about gender, and he never treated employees differently on that basis. He cared most about their contributions.”
A message from Tim Cook states, “We are committed to fostering and advancing inclusion and diversity across Apple and all the communities we’re a part of.”
USA Today explains Mark Zuckerberg’s value of female involvement as, “His own company is working to bring more women into an industry that has wrestled with just these sorts of stereotypes.”
3. Can you explain how valid these claims are? Objectively, how much weight do these claims carry? How credible are they? Be specific. Think about how poorly or successfully the stakeholder cites FACTS, plays on our EMOTIONS, or presents themself as a CREDIBLE actor in the debate.
For the most part, these claims are vague. They do not use facts or much logic. However, they do play on emotions. People perceive passion and dedication in these statements and connect to the desire to solve this issue. Nevertheless, these statements still show the motion towards equal inclusion and better treatment of women in tech fields. By focusing on our emotions, Jobs, Cook, and Zuckerberg gain positive publicity.The widespread knowledge of their stance in the world of tech gives them considerable credibility.
4. Can you explain how these claims are similar and/or different to the other stakeholders? Be clear and precise - does this stakeholder have anything in common with others involved in the debate? Who do they have the least in common with? Why?
This stakeholder has the ability to enact change. Other stakeholders can raise commotion, awareness, and knowledge but the CEOs and presidents have the true power. Because of this, they are set apart from most stakeholders. Even so, they share the common goal of wanting what is best for the industry (as they profit very directly from its success), so increasing diversity of ideas results in a positive outcome.
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