Abstract
In South Africa, women have in the past, and arguably are still today, discriminated against in the workplace. This study explores and describes a selection of women managers’ views on whether women, but in particular, women managers still face challenges and discrimination in corporate environments, their views on whistleblowing within their own organisations, as well as their views on a range of factors which might impact on the likelihood of them blowing the whistle within their respective organisations. Although a wealth of research his been done both internationally and domestically on whistleblowing, limited research was found with regard to the impact gender has on the decision to blow the whistle. This minor-dissertation begins to address this gap in the literature by asking: ‘What are women managers’ perceptions of organisational wrongdoing and whistleblowing?’ and ‘What factors impact upon the likelihood of women managers’ blowing the whistle?’
In order to address these research questions, a qualitative research approach was adopted. Fourteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women managers who occupy middle to senior managerial positions in their respective organisations across a number of industries and vary in terms of their race, age and marital status.
A number of noteworthy findings emerged. The glass ceiling is a reality and the relative absence of women at board level indicates this. Male dominated cultures still pervade organisations and the old boys club is still reality experienced by many women. The women managers interviewed have a wide definition of organisational wrongdoing and understand the terms reporting wrongdoing and whistleblowing to be very different practices. Generally the respondents indicated that they are committed to reporting wrongdoing within their respective organisations should it occur. They also acknowledge the possible victimisation they may experience as a result of blowing the whistle.
The Protected Disclosures Act (2000) was not familiar to many of the respondents and those who were aware of it did not think that it achieves its intended purpose of protecting whistleblowers. Further research may elaborate on the findings of this study and will ultimately lead to the development of theory on gender and the impact it has on whistleblowing.
Prof. J. M. Uys
Dr. R. Smit