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| Title: | Gender dynamics in decision-making processes in the management of higher education institutions: the case of the council and senate committees, Makerere University |
| Authors: | Mbabazi, Susan |
| Keywords: | Gender dynamics
Committee decision-making |
| Issue Date: | 21-Sep-2009 |
| Abstract: | The study assessed the gender dynamics in decision-making processes in the management of Makerere University through Council and Senate Committees. The objectives of the study were to analyse the role of men and women in committee decision-making activities, examine the influence of decision-making culture on male and female participation during committees and assess the influence of male and female behavioral patterns on participation during meetings. The study also assessed the implications of male and female participation on the policy outcomes.
Council and Senate Committee, as well as Faculty and Departmental Board members participated in the study. A total of 118 respondents and 12 key informants participated in the study. Data collection was through semi-structured questionnaires, interview and observation guides as well as documentary analysis. Observation was carried out during committee meetings. Data was analysed using quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools.
The findings showed that women, administrative staff, support staff and students were grossly under-represented on all committees. Women were particularly under-represented due to lack of a critical mass and selection criteria that did not favour them. This resulted to ‘over-use’ of the few women on the committees. Secondly, the study revealed that although formal committee rules and procedures allowed equal opportunity for men and women to participate during meetings, the informal values that formed a Makerere University decision-making culture favoured the men more than the women members. Thirdly, the findings revealed that whereas men felt that their behaviors did not affect effective participation; women said that the boardroom was characterized by male dominance. In addition, it was revealed that the relationship between policy and committee decision-making reinforced the gender dynamics in the committee processes.
The study concluded that gender equity and equality in decision-making processes at Makerere University was far from reality. On one hand, the notions of merit that determine access to committee membership do not favour women. On the other hand, the few women who manage to break through the glass ceiling are faced with a committee environment that reinforces masculine values and practices.
It was recommended that the positive steps that Makerere University has taken by establishing the Gender Mainstreaming Programme should be expedited and integrated into policy. The University should review the policies that govern entry to the governing bodies and strengthen the induction programme as well as the consultative and feedback systems to ensure effective male and female participation in decision-making processes. Makerere University should put in place initiatives geared towards creating a critical mass of women. Lastly university women should be more pro-active, grab opportunities and develop network systems to enable them enhance their leadership skills and become more visible. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/444 |
| Appears in Collections: | Theses & Dissertations (SS)
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Files in This Item:
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Size | Format |
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| mbabazi-susan-ss-masters.pdf | Gender Dynamics | 908Kb | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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