Performance inhibitors against women leaders in Zimbabwe non-governmental organizations

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the performance inhibitors against women leaders in selected Non-Governmental Organizations in the health sector in Zimbabwe. The research also looked at performance enablers that can be put in place in NGOs to pave way for women to climb up the corporate ladder. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of Lack of mentorship and support, lack of self-confidence, networking, gender stereotyping, the glass ceiling, and societal influences on advancement opportunities for women leaders in Zimbabwe. The other objective was to recommend possible strategies to enhance performance of women leaders in the Zimbabwean NGOs sector. To accomplish these objectives this study adopted a quantitative research design whereby a questionnaire was designed to solicit responses from the respondents on the performance inhibitors that they felt affected women in leadership positions. The questionnaire was distributed to both men and women constituting a sample of 56 in leadership positions in the selected NGOs in Zimbabwe. An in-depth review of related literature was undertaken to obtain views from different researchers and practitioners concerning the challenges that are faced by women in leadership positions worldwide. Out of 70 questionnaires distributed, 56 were usable for data analysis. Through application of SPSS version 22 the researcher was able to present results in tables, graphs and pie charts and interpretation involved cross checking and cross linking them with contributions from other authors who had conducted similar research in the past. The researcher was able to draw conclusions and proposed a range of recommendations based on the findings to assist women, and organizations to remove the barriers that are providing stumbling blocks to the rise of women up the corporate ladder. The findings from this study revealed that women leaders in the NGO sector still face significant challenges such as gender discrimination, stereotyping, lack on mentorship and lack of networking and financial support that are prohibiting them from reaching senior leadership positions. The study also recommended that there is need for support among women themselves, executive sponsoring and need for a complete change of culture to accommodate more women 6 and believe that what men can do, women can also do. After the theoretical and practical contributions, the report also presented limitations to the study and areas for future research.