The bar chart illustrates the proportion of men employed in senior development positions at IBM, Microsoft, and Apple between 1980 and 2010.
Overall, participation rates for men in such roles showed a general upward trend in all three companies over the 30-year period, with IBM experiencing the most dramatic growth. In contrast, Apple displayed relatively modest changes compared to the other two companies.
In 1980, Apple had the highest proportion of men in senior positions, at around 13%, while IBM and Microsoft reported figures of roughly 2% and 5%, respectively. By 1995, IBM had overtaken Apple, with its percentage rising sharply to just under 25%, while Apple and Microsoft recorded similar levels, approximately 15% and 10%.
Between 1995 and 2010, IBM’s figure climbed steeply, peaking at around 64%, making it the clear leader by the end of the period. Microsoft also saw significant growth, reaching about 45% in 2010. In contrast, Apple’s increase was much slower, ending the period at roughly 25%, less than half the level of IBM.
In summary, while all three companies experienced an upward trend in male participation in senior development roles, IBM’s growth was the most substantial, followed by Microsoft, whereas Apple showed only moderate gains over the period.