Abstract:
Enhancing women’s participation in leadership in South Africa is important, given
that the percentage of female CEOs in South Africa is low, the study aimed to
identify the factors affecting the advancement of women. By identifying these
factors, this study will help South African women in gaining a knowledge base in
understanding the factors affecting their career advancement and what strategiescan be used to respond such challenges. A qualitative, exploratory approach was adopted for the purposes of this study. The study was underpinned by Social Identity theory. Semi-structured face-toface interviews were conducted. Non-probability sampling technique was used and. Purposive sampling was applied. However, some participants were invitedthrough referrals of other participants, hence the researcher also made use of snowball sampling.
The research found that women are taking up support roles which negatively
affect their chances to become CEO and lack the confidence to take on opportunities when they present themselves. Other themes identified were,
women are overlooked, networking, and sponsoring, male domination, and lack
of support. Further research can be done to understand the role of sponsorship
in the advancement to senior roles.
