Corruption and the crisis were key factors driving Greek women high-flyers abroad, ICAP survey finds

Gazzetta team
Corruption and the crisis were key factors driving Greek women high-flyers abroad, ICAP survey finds
Corruption and a lack of meritocracy, combined with the economic crisis, were the key factors driving talented Greek women abroad in search of better career prospects, according to the findings of the ICAP Human Capital Consulting survey focusing on the female 'brain drain' phenomenon.

The survey was presented at the seminar "High Heels on High Hills" organised by ICAP on Tuesday night, for the third successive year.

It was based on a sample of 586 Greek women working in 56 countries throughout the world. It showed that 78 pct of the women left in the years following the crisis and that the main reasons driving their decision to emigrate were corruption and a lack of meritocracy (36 pct), the economic crisis (35 pct) and better career prospects abroad (34 pct).

Factors that the same women said would help convince them to return to Greece included: the climate and way of life (46 pct), the amount they earn (41 pct), an improvement in the economic state of the country (37 pct) and family reasons (37 pct).

The last factor was ranked higher among women than the equivalent sample of men, while the women that choose to work abroad are more likely to be younger women without families.

The remainder of the seminar examined the results of studies and surveys concerning the profile of women executives and leaders versus their male counterparts and the benefits these traits bring to business environments.