Challenges affecting the management functions of female senior managers in selected South African sports organisations

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the perceived challenges facing female senior managers working in selected South African sports organisations. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research approach was adopted where in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected female senior managers. An inductive, bottom-up approach to data analysis was applied using Atlas.ti (v. 9) for coding the study's data.

Findings: The key findings revealed the negative impacts of autocratic leadership styles, and the perpetuated impacts of the apartheid era on the current state of management in South African sports organisations. This study concludes that systemic events of the apartheid era, exclusion, and the lack of funding opportunities affect the current management practices of female senior managers. It is apparent that the poor implementation of existing policies or guidelines on gender equity hinders the support for females in senior sports management positions in South Africa. The study forms part of a broader study which elucidates other challenges on the underrepresentation, gender bias, the glass ceiling, the wage gap, work-life balance challenges, and the lack of capacity-building, networking and mentoring, that female employees face in corporate organisations.

Recommendations/value: The outcomes of this study support the sports business literature on the documented challenges females face in corporate organisations. The study contributes to the application of the constructs of management in relation to the liberal feminist theory.

Managerial implications: South African sports organisations may need to consider being proactive in implementing policy and leadership styles in order for female senior managers to effectively produce high-performing sports organisations using the fundamental constructs of management.