WAYS TO FOSTER FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Can fairness in the workplace really exist for women? According to research done by Prof Anita Bosch, a registered master HR practitioner and associate professor at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), structural factors exist that give rise to the unequal treatment of women at work and in relation to paid work in general.
Prof Bosch, who researches women at work, says it is important to correct these factors because ultimately it leads to “improved work-life arrangements for both women and men.” She says the socialisation of girls to be good mothers and wives is probably the most influential of all activities that create structural obstructions for women.
“Research shows that in contrast to the good mother and/or wife, the ideal worker is available 24/7, disembodied and without any obligations outside the workplace. It is important to note women are eager to work. They take their education as seriously as men do and aspire as men do to
advance at work. Women are as talented, diligent, hardworking and committed as men.”
These findings are based on research she did for the annual Women’s Report of the SABPP, of which she is the editor. She gives the following advice to foster fairness in the workplace:
The manner in which workplaces structure and
execute recruitment, selection, performance management and promotion should be re-examined to exclude covert forms of bias.
Women should be coached on how to negotiate improved sharing of house and childcare with their partners.
Women should continue to voice their concerns about fairness, and should perhaps be invited to be brave and discuss openly their lived experiences with their managers. These discussions may lead to altered notions of work and performance.
Managers should understand the full life context of their employees and be realistic about performance targets and workplace outputs. Overworking has become the norm for star performers in corporate South Africa.
These performance standards should be investigated in light of inequitable gender practices, burnout and general health concerns.
Prof. Bosch will be part of the panel discussion at the QS World MBA Tour in Johannesburg, which will discuss why diversity in the business school classroom is essential, and needs to reflect a global working environment.
USB MBA alumnus Virna Alexander will join Prof. Bosch at the USB MBA stall, where delegates will have the opportunity to meet them and have their questions answered.