Using (in)visibility and self-efficacy to critically explore the gendered hierarchies that prevail in organisation

[摘要] The study was prompted by the persistent paucity of women in the higher echelons ofcompanies. Extant literature on meritocracy and choice did not offer a completeexplanation for this. The study therefore set out to explore and challenge theunderlying assumptions that have perpetuated the solidification of genderedhierarchies in organisations.A qualitative research design approach was used. Information was gathered from 12in-depth interviews with female managers who worked in the greater Johannesburgarea. Through the tradition of phenomenological design, the essence of the women'scareer progression was analysed through the perceptions and lived experiences of theparticipants.Structural barriers were identified in the organisations. The higher the visibility of themale dominated inner circles present, the more discernible the barriers were, the morethe self-efficacy of the females diminished. The study makes a case for the invisibilityof inner circles to be eliminated. When inner circles are more visible, priorassumptions can be challenged. The study also identified pioneering opportunities forwomen to entrench their own successful outcomes in organisations that can contributeto their sustainable career progression.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria