Males are still underrepresented in the office management environment and this article pertains to the tendency to discriminate against men students studying towards administrative and office-related qualifications. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the perceptions (regarding various barriers in executing their studies) of male office management students in a female-dominated occupational career choice have changed since 2002 and to determine the level and quality of guidance received on entering this field. The study encompassed a literature review and empirical surveys (2002 and 2010) which were conducted by means of structured questionnaires. Although there was an overall increase in male office management student numbers, gender discrimination undoubtedly, as well as ineffective or no career guidance still had a negative effect on these individuals and their career choices. Educators and career guidance officers should take every possible measure to reduce all gender segregation and become more sensitive to and actually provide career guidance to students planning to make career choices.

This article reports on a study conducted among non-managerial administrative employees in the South African public service to determine what they need to perform to their optimum level and what will make them feel that they are well looked after. The empirical survey focused on perceptions of administrative employees, to determine and identify barriers to efficiency as well as to evaluate the role physical workplace factors play in service delivery and in terms of the morale of the employees. These employees identified many intrinsic as well as extrinsic job factors that influence their productivity and morale negatively. Leaders in government, and managers in the public service, should take every possible measure to identify and decrease the current skills shortage, not only within the ranks of employees, but also among the different management levels. Training and education needs should be addressed to ensure optimum levels of performance and motivated employees. This matter influences the entire country and even the president of South Africa has referred to this issue. The improvement of these issues will not only produce happier and more productive employees, but would probably also lead to cost reduction and savings in the entire public sector of this country.

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The study was conducted among Bachelor of Commerce Honours students at the University of South Africa, an open distance learning institution. The main problem pertains to the reasons students pursue this degree, the value and significance of the degree as well as the reasons for doing the honours degree instead of a postgraduate diploma in a similar field of study. The most important reasons found for doing the BCom Honours degree were that it would improve future job perspectives, that the field of study was interesting and that having the degree would make one eligible for a master’s degree. It seems that the ‘image’ of obtaining an honours degree is an overriding factor in choosing the honours qualification above the postgraduate diploma. The BCom Honours degree should be marketed and presented simultaneously with postgraduate diplomas, so that prospective students can make more informed decisions to meet their specific needs. Policy makers should consider making the research modules optional for the honours degree. This initiative would give all students the opportunity to obtain an honours degree with the required modules that meet their career as well as personal needs.