Advancing Women’s Empowerment in the Workplace: A Study of a Company in the Polymer Industry in South Africa

Abstract Previous scholars have emphasised gender inequalities in management and decision-making in a variety of companies. This study aimed to identify and analyse characteristics that may promote women's empowerment and minimise gender inequality in the workplace. A quantitative research method was adopted with strict adherence to deductive design, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from 111 female employees at a company in the polymer industry in South Africa. An inferential statistical method was employed, using regression analysis to test and ascertain the significance of the relationship between five independent variables (information and communication resources; rewards and incentives; autonomy; skills and knowledge; and self-esteem) and the dependent variable, which measures women’s empowerment. The findings revealed a strong, positive significant relationship between the variables. Improving these five independent variables positively predicts an improved pattern of women’s empowerment in the workplace. It is recommended that stakeholders incorporate these independent variables into their human capital management structures to empower women.