Prospects and challenges of females in the hotel sector breaking through the glass ceiling in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis

Abstract

Female employees in the hotel industry are sometimes unable to compete with their male counterparts on an equal level due to several visible and invisible barriers and challenges such as the demands of marriage and motherhood, gender and sex discrimination, sexual harassment among others. In Ghana very little is known about the problems females face in the hotel industry and how these create challenges for them. This study therefore explores prospects and challenges that prevent females working in hotels from advancing in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Both questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from hotel managers and employees. Convenient and purposive sampling methods were used to gather data from the respondents from 20th June to 22nd August, 2014. A total of 201 respondents participated in the study, out of which 196 responded to questionnaires, with 5 managers being interviewed. Tabulations procedures such as frequency distributions, percentages and factor analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed manually. The study revealed challenges associated with work-family conflicts and how these in turn reduce the confidence levels of females’ workers thereby leading to unstable minds and attitudes toward work. Comparatively men enjoy better chances of advancing their careers and being promoted to management positions unlike women. The study therefore recommends the implementation of affirmative action policies and quota system, which permit the allocation of a certain number of positions to women. Such system ensures equal representation of women in management and leadership positions, and also guarantees equal treatment for both women and men.