Barriers contributing to women chief executive officers’ underrepresentation in Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies

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.