Challenges facing Women in managerial positions at the Standard Group Limited

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate challenges facing women managers in the Media Industry with a case of Standard Group Limited. The study probed how seven issues identified posed challenges to women managers at Standard Group Limited. These seven issues were glass ceiling, pay inequality, work-life balance, discriminatory culture, leadership styles, sexual harassment and myth of the female advantage. To achieve the objectives of the study a census study was undertaken where by all the 21 women managers in Standard Group were taken as the target population and were involved in the study. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data. The data was presented in form of table and figures and enhanced by a narrative explanation to bring out salient themes. The findings show that glass ceiling is a key concern as women have to work harder to get recognition. It is also evident from the findings that work life balance is a key concern for women in managerial positions. Discriminatory culture and myth of female advantage also emerge as other challenges facing women managers. The findings show that pay inequality, sexual harassment and leadership styles are not challenges to women in managerial positions. The study recommends that there is need for the owners/management of the media houses to have a critical review of their organisations and how the female employee is treated and fits into the current organisation structures and culture.