The perceptions of the factors affecting career development of women in a university

Abstract

This research report examined the perceptions of the factors affecting career development of women in a university. It specifically sought to identify the facilitating and the inhibiting factors women perceive in the development of their careers. The factors identified by Black women were compared to those identified by White women to establish whether or not substantial differences existed. A comparison was also done of the perceptions held by Academic and Support Services staff. Strategies for career development, catalysts and perceived sacrifices made were also explored.

Based on a literature review, open and closed questions were constructed and administered using in-depth interviews to a sample of 32 female staff at the university. Sixteen in the sample were Black and sixteen were White, and each of these groups was divided into Academic and Support Services categories. The data was subjected to content analysis and statistical analyses such as Chi2 and Mann-Whitney U tests.

The prevalent factors identified as inhibiting career development were a hindering work environment, poor management, discrimination, male norms and workload. The main factors identified as facilitating were the respondents' own determination, abilities and hard work, managers and family. No difference in the perceptions of the inhibiting factors was found between Academic and Support Services female staff members. The only factor identified as being perceived differently for Black respondents from White respondents was "ability to make others aware of your competence". White respondents rated this as more of a facilitator. Inhibiting factors were identified as those that could be considered external to the respondents, that is, behaviour that is elicited by the situation, and internal factors that were perceived as being more facilitating. Analysis of these factors led to suggested strategies which women should consider in planning the development of their careers. A model was developed which summarises the findings of this research.