Exploring practices that impact women’s career advancement within the workplace: a qualitative approach

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to explore organizational factors that impact women’s career advancement. Knowledge of organizational practices that promote or obstruct women’s career progress is vital for women, firms and governments.Design/methodology/approachA total of 237 women participated in the study from the service sector in Johannesburg (South Africa). Participants were selected using a convenient sampling approach. Researchers used a questionnaire, consisting of demographic and open-ended questions, to gather data. Comments were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach.FindingsFindings reveal that prioritizing women, offering skills development opportunities, providing growth opportunities, assisting women in managing their careers, offering mentorship and having work-family support initiatives are practices that promote women’s career advancement. Conversely, practices that foster stagnation of women’s careers, distrust in women’s leadership abilities, preference for external candidates, people–related malpractices, male domination/preference, lack of role models and work-family balance support, hamper women’s career advancement.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study will contribute to women’s empowerment. Organizations should provide a conducive atmosphere by instituting practices that promote their female employees' career advancement. Firms also should intentionally take practical steps to address practices that impede women’s career progression. The results of this study will also help the government to design appropriate policies that will promote the career progression of women employees.Originality/valueThis study presents findings from an analysis of qualitative data collected from 237 women to provide insight into the experiences of women working within the service industry in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Guest editorial: The new economy and employment in Africa: an introduction

“…The selected papers have positively and constructively accommodated comments from the editors and referees, which have led to substantial improvements of the original versions of the manuscripts, so that the corresponding manuscripts are critically positioned on the extant contemporary literature, theoretically informed, empirically robust and policy-worthy. The nine selected articles represent distinct or standalone contributions to knowledge, which can be discussed in more perspective in four main strands, notably (1) ICT adoption and employment (Osabohien, 2024; Asongu and Odhiambo, 2024); (2) creativity and innovation (Medase and Savin, 2024; Otache, 2024); (3) job creation, satisfaction and career advancement (Ayimah et al , 2024; Fitong Ketchiwou and Naong, 2024; Gollagari et al , 2024) and (4) institutional and economic growth perspectives of employment and entrepreneurship (Gómez and Irewole, 2024; Hossain et al , 2024).…”

“…The authors recommend that public institutions should implement fair procedures and initiatives that are relevant for academic commitment and satisfaction. To complete this strand with insights into career development, Fitong Ketchiwou and Naong (2024) have explored factors within the organization that affect the career advancement of women. Accordingly, the study is concerned about how knowledge of the practices within an organization either obstructs or promotes the careers of women.…”