Interview_IT Execs

The issue around the underrepresentation of women in IT is common across the world, in particular women at IT leadership positions. It is said that societal stereotypes are considered to be the greatest barriers for women to reach executive management levels. The societal stereotypes typical include cultural barriers. In order to describe how cultures differ and to predict people’s behaviors, Geert Hofstede defined six cultural dimensions, two which he named Power Distance¹ and Femininity versus Masculinity². Hofstede’s cultural dimensions enable researchers to examine how different cultural values relate to relevant IT behaviors or preferences.
The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of culture on the underrepresentation of white and black African female IT Executives in South Africa. The findings in this study will be used specifically for academic purposes.
¹Power Distance: The extent to which the less powerful members of society expect and accept power is distributed unequally
²Femininity versus Masculinity: Masculinity - the dominant values are achievement and success.
Femininity - the dominant values in society are caring for others and quality of life.