Drivers of Gender Imbalance in the Senior Management of the Parliamentary Service Commission of Kenya
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Date
2024-02
Authors
Musili, Fiona
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJPO
Abstract
Purpose: There have been several studies focussing
on gender imbalance among the political leadership in
Kenya and the internal workings of the Parliament of
Kenya, however, minimal attention has been given to
the leadership of the PSC employees. The objectives
of this study were to analyse the extent to which
promotion criteria, organizational politics, and
corporate norms drive gender imbalance in the senior
management of PSC.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive research
design guided the study. The research adopted the
Skills theory of Leadership and the African Feminism
theory. The study population was the permanent and
pensionable employees of the PSC. Interviews and a
structured questionnaire were used to collect the data
efficiently and effectively. The study applied both
descriptive and inferential analysis.
Findings: The study concluded that practices
entrenched in the overall organization politics,
corporate norms and promotion criteria do
significantly influence gender imbalance at the PSC.
Individually, the study found out that only promotion
criteria had a significant effect on the gender
imbalance at the PSC. Specifically, supporting
inclusive promotion criteria will help in reducing
gender imbalance at the workplace as it will foster
better gender representation in positions of senior
management. The study found out that organization
politics and corporate norms have an insignificant
effect on gender imbalance at the PSC.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The
study, therefore, recommended that supporting
inclusive promotion criteria will help in reducing
gender imbalance at the PSC as it will foster better
gender representation in positions of senior
management. Further, the PSC should consider using
affirmative action in the selection of their senior
management to achieve the two-thirds gender
principle. Another recommendation is that the PSC
needs to implement and enforce a gender policy, as
provided for in its Strategic Plan. This policy needs to
be well communicated and disseminated to all
employees. The study recognizes the importance of
mentorship and coaching programs in shaping
women’s views and perceptions of leadership and in
building their confidence.
Description
Article
Keywords
Gender Imbalance, Organizational Politics, Promotion Criteria, Corporate Norms
Citation
Musili, F. . (2024). Drivers of Gender Imbalance in the Senior Management of the Parliamentary Service Commission of Kenya. American Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 9(1), 27 - 39. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajppa.1771