Investigating the reasons for a lack of women in leadership positions in selected male dominated companies in South Africa

Abstract

South African companies are steadily progressing towards the implementation of gender equality in the workplace, however, the existence of stereotypes and stigmatisation in the broader society, and more often in the working environment, are perceiving reasons behind the misrepresentation of women in top echelon positions. The aim of this research study was to explore the reasons for the lack of women representation in leadership positions in selected male-dominated companies in South Africa. This study used a qualitative and interpretive research paradigm and also employed in-depth interviews through a snowball sample of nine females (n=9) occupying managerial positions in selected male-dominated companies. The main findings of this study suggested that women representation is viewed in two ways, as it was found that five participants felt that women are seemingly well represented and four participants agreed that women are not well represented in male-dominated industries. This study indicated that black women managers were the most represented in various industries in South Africa. The reasons for the lack of women in leadership positions were identified as the search for a work/life balance and heavy workload; traditional gender roles; gender stereotyping; women overwhelmed by men; a lack of support from management; a lack of confidence and hindrances, and a lack of trust and capabilities of women. These reasons, therefore, correlate with the challenges identified in existing literature. Based on the research findings, various recommendations were proposed for future studies.