New action plan for equality in business to be launched in Adelaide by Committee for Economic Development of Australia A RISE in the number of women in decision-making positions will result in better company performance, improved productivity and stronger results, statistics say. But while the numbers don't lie, businesses are lagging in the race to equality - an outcome that can be improved by reviewing five key principles, Premier's Council for Women co-chair Kate Gould says. "Australia and South Australia are behind the eight-ball," she says. The role of women in senior roles is abysmal and it isn't challenged. You may get a chief executive male who takes a very aggressive position and the woman doesn't. It doesn't matter. It is not about that (sex), it is about attitude. But that attitude needs a clear commitment, Ms Gould says, starting with practical examples. "Words into Action," to be launched at this week's Committee for Economic Development of Australia in Adelaide, says companies such as construction company Badge Constructions and engineering firms Parsons Brinckerhoff have already shown the way to improving gender equality - and the results that flow from that. A commitment to boosting women in senior management rather than waiting for pro-active recruitment to trickle up to senior management means that businesses are more likely to enjoy tangible business improvements, Mr Gould says. The program will seek commitments from businesses and then monitor their performance against key principles: commitment, audit and evaluation, leadership, policy, recruitment and retention. "Businesses don't need much convincing but they don't know what steps to take," she said.