Business Commons^™

The Status Of Women And Entrepreneurship In Utah: A 2020 Update, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen, Ann Marie Wallace

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Throughout the nation, women are building and running successful businesses. In 2016, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) asked whether Utah was a good place for women to start and run businesses. The answer to that question was released in a research and policy brief titled, “The Status of Women and Entrepreneurship in Utah,” which became part of a series that focused on understanding the status of women’s leadership in Utah’s politics, education, nonprofits, business, government, and other settings.

What Leaders In The Interfaith Community Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 leaders within the local interfaith community. Religious and faith-based organizations are of vital importance to many individuals and families, and these leaders recognize the positive role they can have in the lives of Utah women and girls.

Women's Leadership In Higher Education: Status, Barriers, And Motivators, Susan R. Madsen, Karen A. Longman

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Advancing more women into institutional leadership roles in higher education matters. Although numerous studies have documented the value of involving diverse perspectives in decision-making processes (Donovan & Caplan, 2019; Gero & Garrity, 2018; Williams, 2013; Woolley & Malone, 2011), many individuals and organizations—ranging from the corporate sector and the political realm to postsecondary education—have voiced commitments to increasing the representation of women in higher ranks, yet they have been stymied in achieving measurable results. A variety of examples in the research-based literature reflect the glacial pace of progress for women into leadership roles across a variety of fields. Examining the …

Women And Finances: What Utahns Need To Know, Robbyn T. Scribner, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Throughout much of history, women have been seen as an extension of their male relatives when it comes to finances; American women were not allowed to own property in their names until the mid-1800s, overt pay discrimination was legal until 1963, and women could not access credit on their own until 1974. Hence, it is only in the last half century or so that women in the US have been able to participate fully in the financial matters that affect their everyday lives. This holds true in Utah as well, yet Utah women’s lives in the 21st century look dramatically …

What Therapists Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 therapists and other mental health practitioners. As society becomes more aware of how mental health impacts overall wellbeing, therapists will play an increasingly influential role, not only to their clients, but in the broader community as well.

A Historical View Of Women In Utah’S Top Political Roles, Susan R. Madsen, Candice B. Pierucci

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

According to Better Days 2020, “The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Utah women being the first in the nation to vote under an equal suffrage law. It also marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, extending women’s voting rights throughout the United States, and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, protecting voting rights of women and men of racial minorities.” In honoring these anniversaries, this historical snapshot documents the women who have served in prominent elected positions within Utah since its statehood. The appendices were compiled by Rhoda Struhs and former Utah House Representative Beverly …

What Media Professionals Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 members of the media, including journalists, broadcasters, and producers. As powerful public voices, media professionals recognize they play a role both in educating the public and initiating important conversations. This discussion centered on how they could work in their specific roles to benefit women, both within the public sphere and in their own news organizations.

Filling The Organ Donor Pool By Giving Priority, Matthew D. Meng, Roberta N. Clarke

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Context: Many of the alternatives for procuring donor organs are considered either ineffective, unethical, or illegal. One possibility that may not face such challenges is a priority system whereby individuals who register as an organ donor are given priority to receive an organ over those who have not registered. However, providing extrinsic rewards can sometimes paradoxically reduce the target behavior, especially for those who are more altruistically motivated.

Methods: Two behavioral experiments were employed and data were analyzed using regressions as well as examining open-ended responses.

Findings: The results suggest that giving priority to receive an organ to those who …

Voting And Civic Engagement Among Utah Women, Susan R. Madsen, Robbyn T. Scribner

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Utah has a strong history of women’s political and civic involvement. The state was an early leader in giving women the vote, was home to the first female state senator in the nation (MacKay, 2005), and, as recently as 1996, had the strongest women’s voter participation in the United States (Davidson, 1996). However, these factors do not give the full picture; and in 2015 the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (2015) ranked Utah dead last in the area of political participation. Much of this ranking was due to the lack of women running for and serving in public office, but …

Labor Force Participation Among Utah Women, Susan R. Madsen, Robbyn T. Scribner

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Over the past half-century or so, Utah women’s participation in the labor force has steadily increased at a rate of about 8% per decade (Utah Women & Leadership Project, 2019). According to the most recent (2017) U.S. Census Bureau estimates, women in Utah make up 45% of the state workforce, which is slightly lower than the U.S. women’s share of the national workforce, 47.8% (United States Census Bureau, 2017a). In general, Utah women are about as likely to be employed as U.S. women, but Utah women are less likely to work full-time year-round (Department of Work-force Services, 2014). Numerous factors …

Utah Women And Stem, Susan R. Madsen, Elizabeth Goryunova, Robbyn T. Scribner

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Employment opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) sectors in Utah are estimated to reach 101,000 by 2018 (Carnevale, Smith, & Melton, 2011). These jobs are recognized nationwide as being well-compensated and generally recession-proof. Yet Utah women continue to hold a lower percentage of STEM-sec-tor jobs than women nationally; in fact, Utah is ranked last in the United States in terms of the percent of women employed in STEM. In addition, Utah women work in STEM occupations at a rate that is less than half that of Utah men (Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), 2013). Recognizing the role …

The Status Of Women In Utah Politics: Congress, Statewide Executive Offices, And The State Legislature, Susan R. Madsen, D. Candice Pierucci

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

A host of national reports and media (e.g., Chu & Posner, 2013) in the past decade have ranked Utah last or near last in terms of women being in positions of decision making and leadership, and women in Utah politics is foundational to this issue. Raising awareness of the reasons why this is the case is critical to social change efforts focused on improving the representation of women in political roles within the state. Women serving in public office within the state of Utah have positive implications for women’s health. Research shows that when more women are involved in decision-making …

The Status Of Women In Utah Politics: Counties, Mayors, City Councils, And Boards Of Education, Susan R. Madsen, D. Candice Pierucci

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Several national reports earlier in the past decade ranked Utah last or near last in terms of women being in positions of decision making and leadership, including a 2013 Center for American Progress report titled “The State of Women in America: A 50-State Analysis of How Women Are Faring Across the Nation” (Chu & Posner, 2013). These and other rankings most often use the following four criteria: 1) gender wage gap, 2) educational attainment, 3) women in management roles, and 4) women serving in state legislatures. Research released through the Utah Women & Leadership Project and the Utah Women & …

What Academic Advisors Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 25 university academic advisors. Female college students in Utah face unique challenges and have lagged their national peers in terms of college completion. Informed academic advisors are well-positioned to help Utah women gain the many lifelong benefits that come from finishing a college degree.

Women And Finance: Impact Recommendation Report, Erin Jemison, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Participants: Erin Jemison (YWCA Utah Policy Director), Susan Madsen (UWLP, UVU), Danny Harris (AARP Utah), Amanda Christensen (USU Extension, Utah Money Moms), Nancy Anderson (Key Bank, Forbes Columnist), Courtney Giles (YWCA Utah Educator & Women’s Wellness Specialist), Ann House (U of U Personal Money Management Center), Kori Renwick (IRS SPEC), Martha Wunderli (AAA Fair Credit Foundation), Susan Speirs (Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants), Brittany Griffin (Utah Treasurer’s Office), Jonyce Bullock (CPA, Squire), Jesse Mecham (You Need a Budget)

What Women In Medicine Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 25 female medical practitioners (physicians and advanced practice providers). Wellinformed health care providers are uniquely positioned to support and strengthen girls and women over a lifetime. This discussion focused on how practitioners can influence through providing quality patient care, serving as visible role models, educating their communities, mentoring, and advocating broadly to promote women’s wellbeing.

The Status Of Women On Utah State Boards & Commissions: A 2019 Update, Susan R. Madsen, Megan Roper

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Research shows that organizations will increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles. Gender inclusivity benefits not only businesses, but also entities such as churches, state legislatures, city councils, state governments, and state and local boards and commissions. Studies have shown that there are numerous benefits to attracting, retaining, promoting, and empowering women within organizations and entities. These benefits are discussed at length in a previous brief titled “Why Do We Need More Women Leaders in Utah?”2More specifically, research demonstrates the need for the government—and democratic governance processes in general—to reflect gender diversity accurately within its constituency at …

Strategies That Male Allies Use To Advance Women In The Workplace, Susan R. Madsen, April Townsend, Robbyn T. Scribner

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

The purpose of this research study was to identify and examine, from both men’s and women’s perspectives, the specific behaviors and strategies male allies use to successfully support the advancement of women in workplace settings. From a survey of 243 men and women, the team gathered qualitative survey data that were analyzed to identify the strategies and behaviors used by male allies. Top responses included developmental relationships, human resource (HR) processes, leadership development, recognition (both public and private), treating women as equals, and challenging sexist behavior. Some differences existed between perceptions of men and women in terms of the most …

Utah Women In Stem Education: A 2019 Update, Cheryl Hanewicz, Susan Thackeray, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

According to a recent article in Utah Business Magazine, Utah had the strongest job growth in the nation in 2018, with no signs of slowing down. Forbes ranked Utah second in their 2018 Best States for Business scorecard, moving it up from third the previous year. Given the increase in the number of high-tech firms in Utah, it should come as no surprise that many jobs are based in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. In fact, Utah contains three of the top 100 best cities for STEM jobs in the United States, including Salt Lake City (#8), …

What Athletic Coaches Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Young Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 25 coaches of girls’ and young women’s sports from around the state of Utah. Sports participation is a widely recognized pathway to leadership, and coaches are in an ideal position to positively influence their athletes. This discussion focused on how coaches can first lead by example and then work to support girls’ personal development and resilience. Attendees also emphasized the importance of building team unity and influencing other stakeholders to strengthen girls and young women in sports.

What Young Women Leaders Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Teens, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 30 Young Women leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter, “the Church”) in Utah. Since around 60% of Utahns identify as members of the Church, these leaders have the potential to influence a large segment of Utah teens. This discussion focused on how leaders could help young women find purpose and perspective, develop new knowledge and skills, form healthy relationships, and grow as leaders. Attendees also discussed how they could advocate for young women with other stakeholders.

What Utah Fathers Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Their Daughters, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 25 fathers who are raising school-aged daughters in Utah. Knowing that fathers profoundly affect their daughters’ growth and development throughout the years, their discussion focused on culture, family dynamics, personal development, confidence and resilience, and education and career preparation.

What Elementary School Administrators Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2019 gathering of 25 elementary school principals and other administrators who met to discuss ways they can support girls in Utah, both in educational success and in many other areas of life.

What Utah Mothers Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Their Daughters, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2018 gathering of 25 mothers who are raising school-aged daughters in Utah. With the knowledge that mothers are one of the most powerful influences in a girl’s life, this discussion focused on various topics, including culture, confidence and self-discovery, education, personal and social development, and resilience.

What Women’S Networks And Groups Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2018 gathering of 65 leaders of women’s networks, groups, and organizations in Utah in many arenas. It provides an overview of opportunities to influence cultural attitudes in ways that are relevant in all settings, followed by specific ideas and solutions to advance and empower women and girls in more distinct environments.

Substance Use Disorders Among Utah Women, Robbyn T. Scribner, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Substance use disorders, including the opioid epidemic, have reached crisis levels throughout the United States, and Utah is no exception. In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, a number that has doubled in the past decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 635 Utahns died from a drug overdose in 2016; that is 22.4 per 100,00 population, a rate that was above the national average of 19.8 and the 19th highest in the nation for that year. Although in Utah and the U.S. as a whole, men are more likely to die from a drug overdose, …

Utah Women's Postsecondary Education Roundtable, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Utah must harness the power of education for its residents, as the state’s future economic success and high quality of life rests squarely upon having an educated population. Increasing the number of Utah residents completing a postsecondary certificate or degree is a powerful strategy for maximizing the quality of life in Utah. An educated population increases both the social and economic capital of the state. Cultivating an educated populace requires creating a college-going culture and assuring that both women and men earn postsecondary certificates and degrees to the maximum extent possible.

What Male Allies Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Women In Workplace Settings, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2018 gathering of 25 professional men at various stages in their careers, all of whom have committed to supporting and advancing women professionally. Understanding that male engagement is critical in reducing workplace gender imbalances, these suggestions focus on what men can do in professional settings to create awareness, rethink systems, build capacity (in both women and men), foster developmental relationships, and advocate for necessary cultural change.

Entrepreneurship And Women-Owned Business: Impact Recommendation Report, Erin Jemison, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Participants: Ann Marie Wallace (WBCUtah), Erin Jemison (YWCA Utah), Susan Madsen (UWLP, UVU), Pam Palermo (St. George Chamber), Rose Maizner (Womenpreneurs), Karin Palle (Utah Women’s Network), Pam Juliano (The Juliano Group), Roxana King (Professional Women’s Roundtable), Allison Lew & Kassidi Henrie (Women Who Build)

Childcare: What Utahns Need To Know, Robbyn T. Scribner, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Childcare is an important consideration for millions of American families; 71% of all women with children under 18 are in the labor force, comprising one-third of the total female workforce in the U. S. Further, childcare costs are becoming increasingly burdensome; in the U.S. generally, and in 33 states specifically (including Utah), the annual cost of childcare is higher than the cost of in-state tuition at a four-year public college. Although childcare is a family and community issue, women often bear the primary responsibility for managing childcare, and, in the case of female heads of household, women may carry both …