(University of the Free State, 2009) Zulu, Constance; Lemmer, Eleanor
English: The article reports on the findings of a qualitative inquiry into the lived experiences
of a small sample of women chairs at universities in South Africa and Britain
selected by purposeful sampling. Data were collected by means of video conference
focus group interviews. Findings indicated that women department chairs require
managerial competencies: rigorous scholarship as well as certain structures and
procedures are necessary for the smooth management of a department. They face
broader contextual issues in higher education owing to change, and the dual role
influences their career experiences.