Abstract:
While much has been written about the barriers that prevent greater levels of female
participation in leadership, this study will specifically focus on identifying the enablers
within organisations that allow women to thrive and attain top positions, if women have
the aspirations to lead and if women want these leadership positions. It is hoped that the
understanding of these enablers will influence growing female talent in organisations at
executive levels.
The study is exploratory in nature and was better suited to a qualitative approach. Data
was collected with the use of a questionnaire in conducting face-to-face interviews. The
sample size comprised 16 interviews. The sample was drawn from the population of
senior executives across various sectors in corporate organisations in Gauteng, South
Africa, and consisted of CEOs and executive directors.
The formulation of the Model for organisation enablers was conceptualised based on the
findings of this research study. The key motivating factors of advancing women are
diversity, business imperatives and legislation. The enablers which have been identified
are Mentorship/sponsorship/coaching (MSC), an enabling environment and leadership
development programmes (LDPs). The model is presented to assist leaders in both
improving current organisational enablers and to develop and implement successful
organisational enablers.
