Career progression among female academics: A comparative study of Australia and Mauritius

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the career experiences of female academics in a Western and in an Indian cultural setting in order to gain an in‐depth understanding of the factors contributing to their career progression. The paper also examines the factors such as national culture, gender stereotypes and leadership, work and family conflict, mentoring and informal networks that impact on the career progression of women academics in two different cultural settings, namely Mauritius and Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty in‐depth interviews from two universities were used.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the barriers to progression are remarkably similar to women from both universities despite their different cultural background. Women in the Mauritian context face a considerably more conservative cultural climate that may negatively impact on their career progression. Women from both cultural settings face significant barriers to career progression in their academic roles.

Originality/value

This paper compares Australian and Mauritian women academics experience in academia. The paper also offers practical guidance that can be used by management and women academics to facilitate career progression of women in academia.

Citation

Rani Thanacoody, P., Bartram, T., Barker, M. and Jacobs, K. (2006), "Career progression among female academics: A comparative study of Australia and Mauritius", Women in Management Review, Vol. 21 No. 7, pp. 536-553. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420610692499