Effects of ethnicity on Indian women as a minority in South African organisations

Abstract

The lived experiences of ethnic minority groups are as relevant for discussion today as ever before. This is as a result of organisations moving toward a global approach to business that requires leaders from all ethnic groups to be included in the conversation and have their voices heard. This study attempts to better understand the relationship between ethnicity and the effect that being in the minority has on Indian women leaders in South Africa today. Extant literature has not gone far enough to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that affect Indian women leaders in South African organisations, and their lived experiences as a minority. The aim of this research is to explore the barriers that Indian women face based on their ethnicity, in South African corporates. A qualitative, exploratory research approach was adopted in this study to present novel insight. So as to ensure an improved understanding of this phenomenon, a total of 18 semi-structured, in-depth interviews was conducted with Indian women leaders in South African organisations. With respect to challenges that Indian women face as a minority in the workplace, this research study documented several barriers faced by Indian women, namely, marginalisation, lack of advocacy, and being overlooked for promotion and workplace opportunities. Cultural upbringing was found to influence Indian women both in their professional and private lives. This research study found that Indian woman believe their husbands to hinder their progress, holding them back from achieving success in their careers. The findings of this study contribute to the extant literature on minority groups in the workplace in the South African context.