The experience of imposter phenomenon throughout the career progression of women manufacturing leaders in South Africa and the United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose: To obtain a rich understanding of the experiences of the imposter phenomenon (IP) by examining, the effects of relevant intrapersonal (internal), systemic (external) factors and how IP manifests, throughout the career progression of women leaders in manufacturing within South Africa, a developing country, and the United Kingdom, a developed country. Design, Methodology and Approach: Data was collected through 20 semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 women leaders in South Africa and 10 in the United Kingdom, who had more than 10 years of work experience and who are currently working within the manufacturing industry. An inductive qualitative methodology using narrative inquiry was used to deeply understand the lived experiences of the imposter phenomenon, the factors that impacted it, and its manifestations, throughout the participants’ career progression. Findings: Intrapersonal and systemic factors were found to contribute towards feelings associated with IP throughout the career progression of women manufacturing leaders. These factors were interrelated to each other, and to the experiences and manifestations of IP. The feelings of IP increased throughout the participants’ career progression with the majority (80%) of participants expecting to continue to experience IP in their future careers. Motherhood, a non-inclusive environment and the lack of experience and qualification amongst young female South African STEM employees may contribute to experiences of IP in the workplace.