The Attraction and Retention of Black Woman Actuaries

Abstract

The STEM disciplines are characterized by a shortage of women and actuarial science is no exception. This phenomenon is even more prevalent where black women are concerned. The purpose of this study was to investigate the internal and external factors that contributed to black women in South Africa choosing mathematics in school and actuarial science at university, and ultimately qualifying and persisting in the field. This multiple case study investigated the experiences of six black women qualified actuaries in South Africa. Narratives and interviews were used to collect data detailing experiences in three phases: choosing mathematics in school, choosing actuarial science at university and persisting with their studies, and persisting in the field. Thematic analysis was conducted. The results indicate that there were multiple external factors that had contributed to their choices, but the greatest determining internal factor was self-efficacy. Aspects that enhance self-efficacy are discussed from which management practice recommendations are made.