Power Structures Impeding the Progression of Women to Senior Management Positions

The progression and participation of women in senior management positions in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa have been limited despite progressive laws aimed at promoting gender equality. This study aimed to understand the inherent power structures which impede the progression of women to senior management positions in an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution. The Feminist Standpoint Theory was adopted as a lens and theoretical framework for framing the study. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as the research design for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic data analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that the inherent power structures which impede the progression of women to senior management positions include patriarchal structures; acknowledgement of male leadership standards over women’s standards; gendered and stereotyped power structures; and non-compliance with gender equity constitutional stipulations. The study also showed the visible patriarchal features and reasons men progress to senior management. By and large, the findings emphasised the need for the ODeL institution to implement policies and laws that promote the progression of women to senior management positions.