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The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa
Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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University of Pretoria
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613585305239552 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Ruiters, Michele |
| author_browse | Ruiters, Michele |
| author_facet | Ruiters, Michele |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/109172 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:38:29.059Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/109172 The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa Ruiters, Michele ichelp@gibs.co.za Sitole, Siphiwe Daphne UCTD Workplace bullying Career progression of women Power disparities Organisational culture Confidence erosion Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025. This study explored how workplace bullying influences the career progression of women in the insurance industry of South Africa, examining the effectiveness of organisational response mechanisms and the role of cultural dynamics in shaping the women’s experiences. Design Methodology / Approach A qualitative research methodology was implemented, utilising semi-structured interviews with fifteen women professionals representing various insurance subsectors. The data was analysed thematically through a rigorous four-level coding process using ATLAS.ti, thought the theoretical lens of the Imbalance of Power Theory Findings The analysis of fourteen interconnected themes demonstrated that bullying erodes confidence, reduces visibility, and negatively impacts mental wellbeing, perpetuated by managerial impunity, reputational considerations, and ineffective Human Resources systems. While systemic inequities persist, some participants reported developing resilience and enhanced leadership clarity in response to adversity. The study also identified “rainmaker protection” and “industry gatekeeping” as novel, contextually specific mechanisms that reinforce organisational silence and inequality. Original value: This study builds upon current scholarship by situating bullying in a sector characterised by reputation concerns and male predominance, while incorporating gendered power analysis into the Imbalance of Power framework. Research limitations: While this study uses a qualitative approach and focuses on a small, specific sector—which means its findings may not apply broadly—it provides valuable detailed context for future comparative studies. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) MBA Unrestricted Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) SDG-05: Gender equality 2026-03-23T09:36:36Z 2026-03-23T09:36:36Z 2026-05 2025 Mini Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109172 en © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Workplace bullying Career progression of women Power disparities Organisational culture Confidence erosion The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title | The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title_full | The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title_fullStr | The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title_short | The influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women: a study in the insurance industry of South Africa |
| title_sort | influence of workplace bullying on the career progression of women a study in the insurance industry of south africa |
| topic | UCTD Workplace bullying Career progression of women Power disparities Organisational culture Confidence erosion |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109172 |