Transformational barriers against women's advancement in South African platinum mining companies

Abstract

This thesis addresses the transformational barriers against women’s advancement in South African Platinum mining companies. The four key objectives of the study were derived to answer the research questions, that is: if South African Platinum mining companies recognize such advancement as a business imperative, if women can advance in such companies, if women need support to advance in these companies and lastly if the leadership of the said companies is embracing women’s advancement and talent. A literature review on the knowledge base of transformation was conducted to determine global, South African, industry and sector perspectives on the issues of the study and to contextualise the latter. The central research tool utilised was a questionnaire using a Likert-5 type rating scale and open-ended questions to elaborate on the objectives. Employees, on C3 level and higher in terms of the Patterson Grading System as traditionally used in the given industry, hailing from various companies of this kind were selected to respond to the questionnaire which was mailed to them. Open-ended questions were used in the development of themes and the data was analysed on the basis of tables and graphs. The findings were that transformational barriers against women’s advancement in these mines are rife. Most women were not afforded opportunities to grow, and were not given sufficient support. The study also found that leadership focuses more on economic benefits in terms of the bottom-line exclusively to human capital interventions, thus failing to strike the balance. The study concluded with recommendations as to what can be done to improve the situation with which women in these firms are faced.