Thesis (MBA. (Administration)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / The purpose of this study was to investigate career-entry barriers for female
professors and doctors at the University of Limpopo. The findings not only offer a
wealth of strategies for career success and for overcoming professional and
personal challenges, but also shed new light on critical factors that affect women
and their experiences at work.
The quantitative investigation was the main method used and thus formed the core
of this study. The quantitative investigation was based primarily on confidentially
structured questionnaire provided to 66 female professors and doctors.
The findings from the study revealed that there are various personal, institutional
and societal barriers affecting women’s participation at the university. At the personal
level such factors as academic qualification (PhD), administrative experience,
management skills, confidence, assertiveness, high visibility, hard work and
diligence were found to enhance women’s participation in university. On the other
hand, absence of these personal attributes were said to limit women’s confidence in
applying for senior management positions.
At the societal level support from family and friends was found to enhance
women’s participation. At the institutional level the recruitment, appointment and
promotion practices stood out as the main factors affecting women’s participation in
university management. In some cases these policies were not clearly documented.
The results revealed that to overcome career- entry barriers at the University of
Limpopo, female professors must constantly overachieve, maintain good
relationships with others, and hold onto personal and institutional values to do the
right things, expand themselves constantly, and utilize strong mentors’ assistance
as well as sponsorship.
v
Recommendations such as an urgent need for the formulation of equal
opportunity policies, provision of professional development and mentoring
opportunities and the creation of a family-friendly working environment by providing
programs, facilities, and services that respond to the needs of people with children
where suggested.
From the recommendation it is clear that there are strategies that needs to be put in
place to solve career entry barriers. A prerequisite to meet this is hard work,
commitment, support structure and persistence.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/3856 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Rabodiba, Matema Salome |
| Contributors | Lethoko, M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 137 leaves |
| Relation |
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