Italian SME succession plans are skewed toward male leaders despite evidence that women‑led firms grow fasterExecutive summary: A study by I‑Aer revealed that 43% of interviewees view female leadership as unsuitable for risk handling, while also reporting that firms led by women experience stronger growth. The bias can steer succession decisions away from qualified women, potentially reducing firm performance and limiting access to diverse talent pools in a key part of the Italian economy. I‑Aer researchers, Italian small and medium enterprise owners, succession planners, and potential female leaders. Stakeholders may launch gender‑bias training, investors could push for more diverse boards, and policymakers might consider incentives to support women‑led SMEs.An I‑Aer survey shows 43% of respondents consider female leadership inadequate for risk management, yet the same study finds that companies headed by women achieve higher growth rates. This contradiction points to a persistent gender bias that could distort succession planning and capital allocation in Italy’s SME sector. Addressing the bias may unlock untapped performance and improve alignment with EU gender‑equality objectives.Connected developmentsKarriere: Plötzlich arbeitslos – wie Manager auf ihre Kündigung reagieren solltenDrohender Jobverlust: Vorsicht, Falle! Wie Führungskräfte ihre schleichende Degradierung erkennen – und gegensteuernGastkommentar: Warum Führung schon lange vor dem Anpfiff beginntOpen the full case file on Beyond →
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