The effect of power distance on the career advancement of women

Abstract

Power distance is a cultural value that has a strong influence in both societal and organizational behaviour. The need for this research resulted from the basis that South Africa has a high value for power distance and a low number of women in senior business roles. By understanding the role power distance plays in the career advancement of women, organisations can put systems in place to create a more equal workforce and leverage the benefits of Smart Economics.

The research was conducted via an online survey and was completed in full by 67 business women based in South Africa. The questionnaire was based on the GLOBE cross cultural study as well as supplementary questions relating to specific features affecting career advancement for women. The outcome allowed for a model to be developed that gives light to the effect of power distance on organizational features, specifically the career advancement of women. Specific features such as the desire to attain power or to maintain power emerged through this survey. A cultural model (figure 8) was developed that presents an outline of the different ways power distance values can affect organizational features and influence the career advancement of women. The outcome of this research could contribute to the way companies develop internal structures that may either encourage or inhibit women from achieving career advancement within the context of power distance.