The development and retention of women in senior management positions: Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in the City of Johannesburg

Abstract

This study investigated the development and retention of women in senior management positions within the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). The study was conducted through a qualitative research approach utilising semi-structured interviews to gain insights from JRA employees. The following objectives guided the research: identify the barriers that women have faced in advancing to senior management positions, evaluate the effectiveness of JRA's current policies and practices in promoting gender diversity, and recommend strategies that can be implemented to enhance women's development and retention in senior management positions. The study's findings suggest that women in JRA face significant barriers to advancing to senior management positions. These barriers include the lack of women-focused mentorship opportunities as well as gender stereotypes and cultural biases. The study also found that current policies and practices at JRA do not adequately promote gender diversity. The study recommends several strategies for enhancing women's development and retention in senior management positions. These include increasing mentorship opportunities, implementing gender-sensitive policies, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity. This study contributes to the existing literature on gender diversity in organisations by shedding light on the challenges women face in senior management positions. The findings provide insights to enhance policies and practices that promote gender diversity and women's advancement in organisations. This study provides evidence-based information to inform policy development and organisational practices within public sector institutions such as JRA and similar entities to address gender inequality and improve women’s representation in leadership.