Social Factors Affecting Female Academics’ Performance at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.580Keywords:
Female Academics, Female Performance, Higher Education Institution, Cultural Beliefs, Social FactorsAbstract
This paper aims to identify the social factors affecting female academics’ performance at a higher education institution in South Africa, amid the longstanding challenges women face in academia. Despite often being categorised as underachievers, female academics remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. This study employs an exploratory research design using a qualitative methodology, involving semi-structured interviews with fifteen female academics. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key factors affecting their performance. The findings reveal that gender dynamics, friendship circles, cultural beliefs and gender roles, extracurricular activities, marital status, work–life imbalance, family responsibilities, and community engagement, as well as working from home, are factors affecting female academics’ performance at the institution. The paper recommends that institutional management critically review employment policies and establish programmes designed to empower female academics. It further contributes to the body of knowledge on gender equity in higher education and provides strategies that the institution and policymakers can use to enhance and optimise the performance of female academics. By promoting more equitable working conditions, this study aims to improve the representation and advancement of women in academic leadership roles.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Brian Kwazi Majola, Nkazimulo Precious Mahlangu (Author)
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