Women educational psychologists: a comparative study of biographical data, career planning and promotion

Abstract

In the New Zealand Education Department Psychological Service women constitute 10% of the middle management hierarchy but are not represented at the district level at all. In considering this anomaly and in awareness that both men and women possess management potential this study explores some of the variables relating to attitudinal, cultural, biographical and managerial characteristics of the 120 psychologists from the Service who responded to this postal survey. Most women in the Psychological Service are newcomers and the job-related areas which are probed reflect this fact. In many aspects, e.g. job satisfaction levels, training and desire for promotion, men and women are similar. This study tracks the career paths of the sample through role modelling and mentors. Finally the respondents make some comments on major areas of need in order that conditions might be improved in the Service.