The enablers and barriers of career progression for women into senior management positions in the manufacturing industry

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the barriers and enablers which inhibit women’s promotions into senior leadership positions, within South Africa’s manufacturing sector. The research employed qualitative, exploratory design to gain insights from interviews involving semistructured interviews of senior female leaders. Structural barriers, like entrenched gender stereotypes, the glass ceiling effect, limited mentorship opportunities and work life imbalance, hindered women’s advancement. Supportive leadership practises, effective mentorship and sponsorship, transformational leadership and career resilience, on the other hand, were found to be the critical enablers of progression. Overall, these findings showed how organisational culture combined with societal norms, as well as individual agency, worked together to construct career trajectories. This piece of work contributed to the literature on gendered organisational practises by offering a nuanced understanding, and also included practical recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to create a more inclusive work environment conducive for equal representation among its ranks at the senior level. Overall, the research pointed out that more systemic change was needed at organisations.