Women in Human Services Management

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Presenting a summary of the article

The article Women in Human Services Management cites key issues affecting women in their pursuit of managerial positions. Moreover, the study shows that although women seeking managerial roles have increased in numbers of late, the laws developed to champion for workplace equality and ensure visibility in managerial positions has not been beneficial to them; in fact, these laws have surged their challenges.

Conversely, Women in Human Services Management points out that women aspiring to be in managerial positions have increased tremendously. Overall, there is about 42 percent of women in administrative, managerial, and executive positions and a further 5 percent are in top managerial positions presently. Similarly, in the social work profession, they account for about 80 percent of direct social work practice. Despite this high percentage, they are still being underrepresented in general administration and managerial roles.

Highlighting aspects of the study that interest you the most

What interests the writer is the survival techniques women use when advancing in managerial roles. As the study illustrate, woman use strategies such as creating external networks, crafting stress management skills among others to navigate these obstacles. They feel these strategies are important if they want to advance in managerial positions.

Providing sufficient detail to understand the overall study, its contribution, and its limitations

This study affirms the statement that women encounter barriers in their pursuit of managerial positions in organizations. These barriers have inhibited them from ascending to managerial positions. However, to ease these challenges, they have developed both individual and organizational strategies to enable them to achieve their goals. Though these strategies have been essential in augmenting their efforts, the organization’s environment, in terms of training and skill acquisition, has not been favorable for them.

Summarizing research background and the main research questions

The study shows that, for the last 20 years, more research has focused on women entering the managerial roles in organizations. Similarly, other studies have examined women in management about their gender. This study build’s on the earlier research done in the same field. The study aimed to determine the educational and professional backgrounds of women in managerial positions within human service organizations, identify barriers and problems that women encounter when moving up the managerial hierarchy, and explore specific strategies that women managers use to survive the demands of the organization’s life.

Theoretical background

Thompson and Marley (1999) cite the major obstacles that cause a ‘glass ceiling’ when advancing in administrative and managerial positions. The researcher explores factors such as individual and organizational as the key impediments limiting women from advancing in their career aspirations. Specific individual factors that Thompson and Marley (1999) cite are self-concept and family and career issues, whereas, he cites difficulties involved in interacting with peers and subordinates as institutional barriers.

Summarizing research process: how to research sampling and data collecting

Thompson and Marley (1999) used a small purposive sample. The population was composed of women between the ages of 28 to 72. The researcher’s main goal was to identify women currently holding middle or upper management positions in human services agencies. Thompson and Marley (1999) used interviews to collect data from the respondents.

Summarizing major findings

Thompson and Marley (1999) indicate that women face several barriers in their pursuit of managerial positions. They further classify these barriers into two groups, that is, individual and structural barriers. Individual barriers include factors such as; lack of self-confidence, family and career issues, limited educational opportunities. On the other hand, they recognize organizational barriers to be; interaction with peers and subordinates, sexist male organization’s and workplace policies and practices.

Conclusion and implication of the research

Thompson and Marley (1999) cite that entry into management roles is achieved through a combination of experiences, opportunities, and formal education offered by an organization. Thus, it is not pegged on experience and educational qualifications. Similarly, more research is needed to be done to evaluate women in top managerial positions and how they embrace opportunities created by the organization’s structures regarding advancing their careers.

Strength and weakness of the research

The research has shown that women advancing in managerial positions encounter many challenges. Similarly, Thompson and Marley (1999) have achieved the goal of validating the challenges that women encounter during the process of managing their careers. Thompson and Marley (1999) indicate that women use individual and organizational strategies to assist them in advance in managerial positions. However, organizational support has been a critical barrier in their efforts towards achieving their ultimate goal. This is because they do not provide them with training opportunities towards advancing their skills.

Reference List

Thompson, J.J., and Marley, M. A. (1999).Women in Human Services Management, Administration in Social Work, 23(2), 17-31.

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