Influence of Organizational Culture on Female and Male Upward Mobility into Middle and Senior Managerial Positions

Abstract

Research from different parts of the world has consistently confirmed the maleness of managerial culture that is averse to female success. The article reports on an exploratory study undertaken in Zimbabwean banks and hotels to explore managerial explanations of how to achieve successful upward mobility into middle and senior managerial positions. The results confirm that in Zimbabwe, the managerial cultures that prevail in banks and hotels are modelled after what Kanter refers to as a western managerial ethos. These cultures are further reinforced by traditional African culture that precludes females from taking an active role in public life. The article concludes by making suggestions on how organizations can change their culture to accommodate diversity in their human resources.