Organizational variables influencing female advancement in South Africa

Abstract

Variables which affect female advancement in South African organizations, such as aspects of the organization structure, i.e. the power hierarchy, composition of levels in companies and the reward structures, are discussed. Analyses of organization processes such as selection and promotion of organizational members provide examples of pre-market discrimination and disparate treatment Group structure and processes such as informal networks, the exclusion and inclusion of select members can also create subtle obstacles. Solutions to the slower advancement of women in organizations should be sought in both personal action plans formulated by career-oriented women and creation of enabling conditions in companies.