Going up? Perceived career progress of female general staff across New Zealand universities

Abstract

This exploratory study of female general staff across New Zealand universities examined career motivation, subjective discrimination and home and occupational salience. Career development and aspirations and multiple home and community commitments were examined through a self-administered online questionnaire. Skill recognition, a good relationship with management and confidence in one’s abilities contributed towards a positive career attitude. A perception of limited career opportunities at the participants’ universities reduced the importance placed on work. Respondents, particularly those with postgraduate qualifications, were found to possess high levels of career motivation and occupational salience. Of research interest was whether the female general staff perceived additional barriers compared with female academic staff or their male general staff colleagues. Participants perceived role-based subjective discrimination when they compared themselves with female academic staff. A number of implications are discussed directed towards increasing positive career experiences.