GENDER AND LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN NESTLE NIGERIA PLC, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Gender discrimination, especially against women, remains a longstanding challenge in virtually all facets in Nigeria. This study was carried out to investigate the criteria for appointing staff into leadership positions in Nestle Nigeria Plc, a leading beverage specialty Company in Nigeria, and determine if gender was an overriding factor among the criteria. Descriptive research design was adopted with questionnaire as the choice instrument. 120 copies of a questionnaire with open and close ended items were administered on the Management staff of Nestle Nigeria Plc and 115 were correctly attended to and 5 were defective. In analyzing the generated data, data analytical procedures of table and percentages were used for classification of data. Findings revealed that gender does not play any significant role in the appointment of staff into leadership positions in the Company and that criteria for appointment into leadership positions are qualifications, requisite experience, transparency and positive track records. The study concludes that multinationals are becoming less discriminatory on the basis of sex and recommends that employees should continually undergo relevant training to further strengthen the concept of gender equality in private and public organisations.