The influence of socio-cultural factors on the performance of women in managerial/leadership positions in ‘quasi-government organisations in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of socio-cultural factors on women’s performance in a management/leadership position in “quasi-government” organisations (QGOs) in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by female under representation in management/leadership in QGOs such as parastatals, local authorities, education and health departments, where women outnumber men in terms of employment. In order to achieve the main purpose of the study, a mixed research method was used to collect primary data. The sample size comprised 302 participants, the sample chosen by means of quota sampling and purposive sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interviews and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were employed in order to reflect on the study findings. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0), while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings of the study show that women in QGOs have diverse leadership characteristics; including being visionary, caring, tolerant, and collaborative, as well as being humble, empathic and persistent. Women in leadership positions were also shown to perform well and even better than men. In addition, women leadership in QGOs in Zimbabwe has not been exempted from socially constructed leadership barriers, such as gender roles, stereotyping, family, and societal norms, along with workplace discrimination. Furthermore, the analysis of data evidenced that the performance of women in QGOs in leadership roles in Zimbabwe can be partly attributed to certain culturally constructed barriers that prevent women from ascending the organisational ladder. These include cultural beliefs, values, religion and balancing work and family life, as well as the attitude of men towards women. The study saw the establishment and redefining of socio-cultural factors that influence women leaders’ performances in QGOs. It also saw to beefing up of the board of knowledge with a fresh Zimbabwean experience as most studies concentrated at developed countries. The study saw to the advancement of caregiving, multi-skilling and tolerance which gave women a competitive advantage over men counterparts in case of interviews if cited as personal attributes. Religion is cited as militant of women's progression, men abuse the bible to oppress women. They selectively use the bible to their advantage forgetting the very bible has female leaders who impacted so much on current Christianity standing. The study drummed up strategies that solved socio-cultural impediments. The study fostered an improved women's representation in top positions in QGOs.