ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN MANAGERIAL POSITIONS: THE CASE OF ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Women face challenges to participate in managerial position due to several factors. The purpose of the study was to assess factors that hinder women’s participation in lower to top management position. It was based on evidences that representation of women in leadership position was low, both in the country and in the institution. Thus, this thesis aimed to identify possible strategy to increase women’s participation in all managerial position in the university. To attain this objective both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. The data was collected through interview and questionnaire with employee at different managerial position as well as with other employee who were not in managerial position; interview with gender and human resource office directors to identify the current gender practice and assessing the factor for minimal representation of women in management position of the university. Both probability and non probability sampling techniques were employed. From the total sample size of 356, 85.6 % were responded. The study revealed that the current position of women in managerial position was minimal. Major factors for this were lack of delegation, recommendation, educational gap, socio-cultural factors, gender stereotype, male dominance and dual responsibility of women. Based upon the findings, the study suggested that there should be affirmative action, equal opportunity policy, elimination of gender stereotype, providing legislative and infrastructural support and special training program as necessary action to bring significant change in women participation in managerial position.