Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Feelings of inadequacy have the potential of influencing the level of self-esteem of female academics in higher education spaces. In fact, research indicates that a negative self-perception and evaluation of one’s competencies has an adverse effect on one’s functioning. This paper explores the experiences of female academics and the manner in which they perceive themselves in their different academic roles as well as how they navigate the often-complex higher education spaces. Utilising the concept of gendered self-perception, a qualitative approach to understanding the narratives of seven women who occupy various academic positions was taken. A narrative analysis of data indicates that in general, female academics often have a negative perception about their competencies in lecture rooms, in supervisory roles, and in their everyday collegiate interactions.