Women Leadership in South African business: Challenges and Barriers

Abstract

Women leaders are acknowledged for their resonance-building leadership styles, adaptive communication skills and qualities of cooperation, mentoring and collaboration - traits that are becoming increasingly important to leadership in contemporary organisations. If women are sufficiently competent to serve as leaders, why have so relatively few reached the top of the ladder? This research project deals with the societal and organisational challenges all working women in South Africa experience, the challenges working mothers experience and the challenges women face at midlife and how these influence their careers. Gender based stereotypes influenced by the cultural value dimensions of society are seen as the major barriers to women's advancement. Despite enabling legislation in South Africa, statistics reflect the dwindling of opportunities as women reach the upper echelons of management. Career primary motivated women reported structural barriers in organisations including networking, glass ceilings and glass cliffs. Societal challenges that women face included lack of access to power in an environment that is becoming increasingly toxic, resulting in eroding of values and ethics among leaders in general. Personal challenges working mothers faced were finding balance in the social construction of their life roles and creating a meandering career path, during midlife.