Women partners leaving the firm:choice, what choice?

摘要

Purpose - This paper is based on the experiences of 31 women who have recently left partner rolesrnwithin an international management consultancy firm. The purpose of this paper is to explorerndiscursively their perceptions of choice within their decisions to leave.rnDesign/methodology/approach - Data were collected from 31 women using semi-structuredrntelephone interviews, a 66 per cent response rate. A discursive approach to analysis was adopted.rnFindings - The decision to leave is the culmination of many interacting factors at a time when arnfinancial incentive for resignation is available. Findings present here focus on discourses of loyalty tornand affection for the company and work-life integration.rnResearch limitations/implications - Limitations include access only to women who have left thernfirm, allowing for no comparison with those who were still partners. Additionally, we were unable tornspeak to any of the male partners who have left the firm in the same timescales, although in smallerrnproportions.rnPractical implications - The findings indicate the need to review the excessive time demandsrnplaced on partners and provide further support for policies, which enable greater flexibility.rnOriginality/value - This paper uses data from a rare sample of women, those who have actually leftrnsenior roles within one organization.