Enablers and Constraints Women Encounter in Advancing to Senior Managerial Positions: Case of South African Military Health Institutions in the Western Cape

Abstract

South Africa has made notable progress in narrowing the gender gap in managerial positions since 2004. The percentage of women members of parliament (MP's) has increased from 33% in 2004 to 46% in 2019. However, women appear to remain underrepresented in senior management in one of South Africa's historically male-dominated departments, the Department of Defence (DOD). This study aimed to determine the enablers and constraints that women encounter in advancing to managerial positions in Military Health Institutions in the Western Cape. A mixed method was employed to answer the main research question: "What are the enabling and constraining factors women encounter in advancing to senior managerial positions"? Qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews, open-ended questionnaires and through SANDF document analysis. Biographic and background information was collected and reported as frequency statistics. The questionnaire was completed by 36 participants. Interviews were conducted with Officers Commanding (OCs), Heads of Department (HODs) of Human Resources and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) from Military Health Institutions in the Western Cape. The results were analysed according to the Micro-individual, Meso-organisational, and Macro socio-cultural levels of the multi-relational framework. It has been found that women are relatively well represented in Officer in Charge (OIC) and HOD positions, but no women to date had held an OC post. Gender equality policies are in place, and it is expected all organisations and businesses comply, including the SANDF. The SANDF neglects to comply with the legislative prescripts, as compliance ensures gender parity and diversity on all senior managerial levels, thus giving women the opportunity to contribute to the strategic objectives of the country, the DOD, and the SANDF. One limitation of the study is the low response rate, which may be attributed to the participants' busy schedules, as they were compelled to provide essential services during the national COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that future studies include one of South Africa's major Military Health Institutes, 2 Military Hospital in Wynberg, Cape Town, and all women officers in all areas of specialisations. Keywords: Enablers, Constraints, Gender equality, South African Military Health Institutions