A group that seeks to place women in top jobs has announced plans for a first-of-its-kind study of the state’s businesses. Diane Ramsey, CEO of the Cedar Rapids-based Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC) organization, says they completed and released an initial research study last year which outlined the “leadership journeys” of 725 women. The report found one of the biggest obstacles to women landing leadership roles is their own lack of confidence.

Another highlight of the study found only 16-percent of the board members listed by public companies are women. Ramsey says companies and organizations that place women in leadership positions are typically more financially successful.

A second study is now being led by IWLC to examine the policies and practices of businesses and organizations across the state related to their hiring of women as top executives. Ramsey expects results of the study will be released at the IWLC’s Eastern Iowa Conference on April 22 in Cedar Rapids.