Abstract
M. Phil.
The main issue of this article concerns the lack of research regarding black managers' career success and progress. A qualitative study was conducted to gain knowledge on the career success from the personal experiences of South African black middle managers in the knowledge-based work environment. The case-study method was adopted as a research strategy to gather in-depth data regarding the career situation of these managers. The research participants were obtained through the snowballing sampling technique. They comprised of African managers, who work in the communication, insurance, information technology and banking sectors in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were used as a means of gathering the data. Rich insights were obtained and thematic data analysis revealed the following themes: context, opportunities, education, proving oneself, career mobility, achievements, acknowledgement, values, relationships, and making a difference and contributing something of value. The study supported accepted viewpoints and models in career literature. Moreover, it synthesised these constructs into a career developmental model. Finally, key practical implications of the findings as well as recommendations for future research were presented.