Exploring diversity in executive positions among JSE-Listed companies

Abstract

This research examined gender and racial diversity among executives who lead companies that are listed on the Johannesburg stock Exchange [JSE]. The executive leadership positions in South African companies show low representation of women and historically disadvantaged racial groups despite the country's progressive legislative framework that includes the Employment Equity Act [EEA] and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment [B- BBEE] Act. The research evaluated executive diversity levels while identifying organisational barriers to progress and assessing current policies and organisational strategies. The research employed qualitative methods through senior executive interviews from different sectors while analysing corporate reports that are publicly available. The research based its findings on Social Identity Theory and Agency Theory to understand how identity and bias and governance structures affect diversity results. The study showed that organisations understand diversity's value better, yet they face ongoing challenges from unconscious bias and insufficient leadership development programs and inconsistent transformation policy execution. The research suggests that organisations should implement specific leadership development programs together with enhanced accountability systems and organisational cultural changes toward inclusive leadership approaches. The research adds to South African corporate transformation discussions while offering practical solutions to enhance executive leadership diversity and inclusion.