South African women leaders, transformation and diversity conflict intersections

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate diversity conflict intersections and how the meanings of diversity markers such as gender and race might be transformed. It highlights the resources of South African women leaders in higher education institutions for doing so.Design/methodology/approachThis study proceeds from a social constructivist perspective, seeking to uncover narrated conflict experiences via a hermeneutical approach.FindingsWomen leaders in South Africa experience diversity conflict across multiple intersecting diversity markers, such as gender, race, ethnicity and class. They are united by inner resources which, if utilized, might bring about transformation.Research limitations/implicationsIntersectional approach to diversity conflict is a viable means for uncovering positive resources for transformation across intersecting diversity markers.Practical implicationsPractitioners wishing to overcome diversity conflict should identify positive resources across intersecting diversity markers. This way, organizations and individuals might bring about transformation.Social implicationsIn societal environment wherein one diversity marker is institutionalized on a structural level, such as race in South Africa, diversity conflict might be enlarged beyond its actual scope, thereby becoming insurmountable. This needs to be prevented.Originality/valueThis paper studies diversity conflict intersections in a highly diverse societal environment in organizations facing transformational challenges and from the perspective of women leaders.