Study on non-legislative initiatives for companies to promote gender ...

Gender equality initiatives 57
1.2 Methodological approach
The study is structured around several interrelated working steps. The main steps and
the related methodological approach are described briefly in the following.
1.2.1 Identification and analysis of non-legislative initiatives promoting gender
equality at the workplace
To promote gender equality at the workplace, public and private organisations throughout
Europe have implemented tools and methods to activate enterprises to voluntarily
engage in this subject, to support the implementation of gender equality initiatives at
company level as well as to highlight outstanding commitments and business policies of
enterprises and to disseminate good practices. In the framework of the study a focus is
put on the following types of measures:
• Labels
• Prizes and awards
• Charters.
Additionally, initiatives which are based on an analysis and judgement of independent
organisations but often do not require the co-operation of the respective companies,
are as well taken into account, such as
• Classifications/rankings
• Compendia of good practices.
In the scope of the project an exhaustive list of all important initiatives (public and
private initiatives) currently under way has been be produced. Additionally, the most
important initiatives having finished not before 2004 have been of relevance for the
study. Emphasis has been put on labels, charters and awards with a clear gender
focus. In addition, selected rankings and compendium of good practices have been
included. Initiatives addressing a broader issue (e.g. CSR, Diversity) have been taken
into account only if specific elements deal with gender equality or a positive impact on
gender equality can be expected (mainly in countries where no specific gender related
initiatives could be identified). Family-related issues have been analysed only if they do
not reinforce traditional gender roles.
Concerning the geographical focus, all initiatives at national level have been analysed
as well as the most important initiatives at regional level (in particular for countries with
federal structures). Initiatives at European and examples of initiatives at international
level have been incorporated in the study as well.
National research partners have, by means of internet research, document analysis
and telephone/personal interviews with the responsible persons, gathered the required
information on the relevant initiatives. The information has been collected and
presented according to a semi-structured guideline (a separate completed guideline for
each initiative identified). The national research partners have sent the various such
files to the Austrian Institute for SME Research where the information has been
checked and assessed whether the suggested schemes are relevant and match with
the working definitions and the context of the study. In some cases the national
partners were asked to collect further information on particular measures.