Band 7+: The bar chart below shows the percentage participation of men in senior development in three companies between 1980 and the year 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and report in the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The bar chart illustrates the percentage of men in senior development positions at IBM, Microsoft, and Apple between 1980 and 2010.

Overall, all three companies experienced growth in male participation over the period, with IBM showing the most dramatic increase, Microsoft following a steady upward path, and Apple recording the slowest progress.

In 1980, Apple had the highest figure at around 13%, while IBM and Microsoft were much lower, at approximately 2% and 7% respectively. By 1990, participation levels had converged, with all three companies reporting around 10-15%.

From 1995 onwards, IBM began to surge, reaching about 25% in 1995 and climbing sharply to more than 60% by 2010, making it the clear leader. Microsoft also rose considerably, from below 10% in 1980 to nearly 45% in 2010. In contrast, Apple’s growth was relatively modest, with only about 25% of men in senior positions by 2010, roughly one-third of IBM’s figure at that time.

In summary, while IBM transformed from the lowest to the highest performer, Microsoft maintained steady and significant progress, and Apple lagged behind despite an early lead.