As we know, appropriate affirmative action policies and recruitment strategies help to ensure diversity at various levels of the organization, including senior management positions. Benchmark the actions of other park districts that have encouraged and facilitated the promotion and career advancement of women to senior management positions. Examine park district's management training programs to ensure that women are progressing within the system. Effective in-service training and development programs can be useful in helping women feel better prepared for senior management positions. Mentoring programs should be instituted in all park districts.
Female mentors can be important role models in the career advancement of their female proteges.
Some park districts have instituted alternative work schedules for their employees. Interestingly, these flexible work schedules were commonly initiated by female employees. They presented their plan to their supervisors and ultimately, it was accepted by the organization. As a result, many employees have taken advantage of flexible work schedules in order to meet the increasing demands placed on work and family. The authors thank the Illinois Association of Park Districts for its support of this study.