Beyond the Pipeline Metaphor - A Qualitative Study of How Technology-Based Companies Can Attract and Retain Female Engineers

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology-based companies, fostering a diverse workforce is critical for capitalising on innovation opportunities and maintaining competitiveness. Despite Sweden’s global reputation for gender equality, gender disparities persist within its engineering workforce, impacting its innovative capability and market outcomes. Existing literature highlights that women often disengage from engineering education and careers at various stages, across what is commonly referred to as the STEM pipeline and corporate pipeline. This study investigates the multifaceted challenges contributing to the underrepresentation of women in technology corporations, by analysing both the STEM and corporate pipelines through an integrated pipeline, aiming to bridge the gap between the two traditionally separated research bodies. Through 24 semi-structured interviews with respondents from different stakeholder groups, this qualitative study examines strategies for attracting and retaining female engineers throughout their education and career. Findings reveal a range of initiatives, including mentorship, which emerged as consistently important throughout the integrated pipeline. Other strategies such as role models, networks, and organisational culture also play significant roles in attraction and retention efforts. By integrating insights from diverse stakeholders and proposing an integrated pipeline model, this study offers a comprehensive framework for companies willing to address gender disparities. Beyond the pipeline perspective, this study advocates for adopting an ecosystem approach to address gender disparities, recognising the limitations of the pipeline metaphor. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of collective efforts to overcome gender biases and foster diversity.