A Research On Women's Leadership Experiences In South African Higher Education Institutions

This study explored women's leadership experiences in higher education.A case study was conducted in South African higher education institutions.This study aimed to investigate women's journey towards obtaining leadership positions in higher education institutions.This study employed a mixed-method research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics women go through while pursuing leadership in higher education.The research tools comprise of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.The theoretical framework that informed the study is the social cognitive career theory by Albert Bandura,which was later developed by Robert.W Lent,Steven D.Brown and Gail Hackett in 1994.Both international and local literature that foregrounds and supports the study were thoroughly reviewed.Analysis of different contexts was made to inform the challenges and the strategies women use to navigate the journey to higher education echelons.The findings of the study revealed that women' s experiences of developing career interests,pursuing leadership and navigating factors ingrained in the institutional culture in higher education institutions include setting boundaries,experiencing blocked opportunities,prioritizing values,and understanding the essentiality of holding true to personal abilities and values.Furthermore,women leaders identified some of the key things which were useful in their journey to leadership such as the importance of self-efficacy and attending leadership development programs.However,women leaders also mentioned some of the decelerating factors that impact on the career advancement of women leaders in higher education institutions.They felt that some women in South African higher education institutions prefer to be lead by men over women,and women do not support other women to rise to the top.They also suggested that there should be a reasonable workload for staff because one of the major reasons some women do not apply for leadership positions is excessive workload,too much administration and they still have to attend domestic responsibilities.Some of the recommendations based on the findings of the study are that,if stakeholders in higher education want to recruit more women into leadership positions in higher education institutions,they should purposefully and carefully examine the manner in which the institutional climate interacts with women.Higher education institutions should have a work culture that encourages all staff members within an institution to progress but at the same time practice work-life balance.