Investigation of the effectiveness of the implementation of gender equality strategies: a case study of an Australian public sector organization in a male-dominated industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate, through the application of a decoupling conceptual framework, why seemingly appropriate workplace gender strategies may not yield the desired results. In doing so, the authors address two key questions: how and why have seemingly comprehensive gender equality–related strategies failed to eradicate workplace gender inequality, and how can implementing these strategies be more effective? Design/methodology/approach The authors use a qualitative approach to examine a case study organization within the public sector. This involves a combination of document analysis, semistructured interviews and focus groups. The authors use a unique data set to investigate the effectiveness of implementing a socially oriented strategy related to gender equality. Findings The findings highlight different approaches in the implementation of gender equality strategies compared to those aligned with core business objectives. This study also identifies techniques for bridging the gender equality strategy–practice gap, offering significant implications for both policy and practice. Research limitations/implications This research is subject to common limitations associated with case studies, interviews and focus groups. Originality/value Despite the growing awareness and increased focus on eliminating workplace gender inequality, it remains a “wicked problem” due to its global pervasiveness and the complexity of its causes, manifestations and implications. This issue continues to present itself in various forms across numerous sectors and organizations, despite decades of concerted efforts by multiple stakeholders, including governments, nongovernmental organizations, businesses and society at large. In this paper, the authors investigate the reasons for such slow progress and argue that this issue is less related to the appropriateness of existing gender strategies and more a result of the ineffective implementation of these strategies.