Enablers for the advancement of female executives in corporations

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.