Not business as usual
The degree of Doctor Philosophiae (Business Management) was conferred upon Dr Marianne Doubell within NMMU's own Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences. She impressed with her very topical research and thesis on Factors contributing to the success of professional and business women in South Africa.
Dr Doubell, the Programme Co-ordinator for the business-related programmes within the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences at NMMU George, is an accomplished academic who already has two master's degrees under her belt.
Her previous qualifications include the degrees BA(Ed) and BA Hons - both from the former University of Port Elizabeth, and two master's degrees - one from the University of Natal and the other, which was awarded to her with distinction, from the University of Durban-Westville. Dr Doubell will be presenting a paper on her research at the Academy of World Business, Marketing & Management Development in Budapest in July.
She has also been invited as speaker to present her findings at the prestigious HERS-SA (Higher Education Resource Services South Africa) Academy in Cape Town in September.
The study: Factors contributing to women's career success
Dr Doubell's study into factors contributing to the career success of women who have overcome barriers and advanced to top positions in business and the professions, demonstrated that the main contributing factors to women's career success are personality traits; a supportive internal organisational culture; and organisational initiatives aimed at eradicating barriers.
"There is evidence that the equal representation of women on corporate boards is linked to increased performance and productivity, leading to higher profitability", she said. However, "The notable under-representation of women in executive and decision making positions, is a clear indicator that women's career advancement remain barricaded and several government initiatives and interventions aimed at women's advancement have not achieved the desired impact, pointing to the need for further interventions".
Besides expanding the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors contributing to the success and those inhibiting the career progression of women, Dr Doubell's thesis indicated that the advancement of more women to executive positions can be accelerated through a number of interventions.
This includes internal organisational support factors and government interventions for the achievement of gender equity.
The thesis also alerts organisations and government to their social responsibility for transforming mindsets and diversifying their boardrooms.
It furthermore has the potential to guide initiatives aimed at equal gender representation in the workplace.
Ms Altouise Jonas, Associate lecturer in the Marketing Department at NMMU George is another homegrown product of NMMU, who recently graduated with the MTech Marketing Management degree from NMMU. She previously completed both the 3 year National Diploma in Tourism Management and BTech Tourism Management degree at NMMU in Port Elizabeth.Dr Marianne Doubell (right) and her promoter, Prof Miemie Struwig, from NMMU’s Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Port Elizabeth.
Dr Marianne Doubell (right) and her promoter, Prof Miemie Struwig, from NMMU’s Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Port Elizabeth.
