The Underrepresentation of Women in Executive Management Positions in the South African Banking Sector

This study explored factors that contribute towards the significant and continued underrepresentation of women in executive management positions within the South African banking sector. The objective of this research was to examine the interplay between first line roles within the banking sector, career progression and gender equality. What is the relationship between first line roles and career progression to executive management positions within the banking sector? This phenomenological qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews from a non-probability sample of 25 participants who are all banks’ executives. Key findings were: it is important to choose roles that provide future career acceleration to executive positions early in career planning. Lack of suitable role models in key positions such as CEOs can lead to compression of women in support roles. Sponsors play important part in women careers developments. Finally, there is a connection between first-line roles and advancement to executive management positions. Women should acquire skills in first line roles early in their careers. When developing transformation plans and policies, banks and the government should consider and address internal (personal) and external (organisational and societal) factors affecting women career mobilities. A contribution was made by developing a theoretical framework on internal and external factors women should consider in their career growths. The framework provides insights on strategies that may be adopted to navigate through barriers and challenges emanating from, amongst other, gender biases, organisational cultures, and women’s lack of self-belief. This study insights could benefit banks executives, human resources specialists and government in advancing their gender equality initiatives.